Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2026 [1].
This victory marks a significant shift in a sport traditionally dominated by men. By securing the win at Churchill Downs, DeVaux broke a long-standing gender barrier and highlighted the growing influence of women in high-stakes horse racing [2].
DeVaux led the horse Golden Tempo to victory during the 152nd running of the event [3]. The win at the Louisville, Kentucky venue followed a performance described as a shocking comeback [4]. While DeVaux is the first woman to win the Derby, she is the second female trainer to win a Triple Crown race [5].
Following the race, DeVaux spoke about the broader implications of her achievement for other women in the industry. "I'm just glad I could be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to," DeVaux said [6].
The achievement comes as part of a larger trend of women ascending to leadership roles within the equestrian world. The victory for Golden Tempo serves as a benchmark for female trainers seeking similar success in the Triple Crown series, a feat previously reserved for men in the history of the Kentucky Derby [2], [4].
Churchill Downs has hosted the race for over a century, and the addition of a female winner to its record books represents a modern evolution of the sport's legacy [3].
“Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.”
The victory by Cherie DeVaux signals a systemic change in the professional hierarchy of U.S. horse racing. By winning the most prestigious race in the U.S., DeVaux has transitioned from a challenger of the status quo to a historical precedent, potentially opening more doors for female trainers to secure top-tier owners and high-profile horses.
