Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby when her horse, Golden Tempo, won the race on May 2, 2026 [1].
The victory marks a historic breakthrough for women in horse racing, breaking a long-standing glass ceiling at one of the most prestigious events in U.S. sports [2].
Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey José Ortiz, secured the win at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky [4]. The horse's late-running style was a key factor in the victory, a strategy DeVaux developed through her training and confidence in the animal's capabilities [5].
DeVaux had long viewed this achievement as a primary professional goal. "The only thing I want to do in my career is be the first female to win a Kentucky Derby," DeVaux said [3].
Despite the historic nature of the win, DeVaux emphasized her professional identity over her gender. "I consider myself a horse trainer, and I just happen to be female," DeVaux said [2].
Ortiz, who also won the Kentucky Oaks in 2026 [4], highlighted the ambition required to reach such a milestone. "Dream, but dream big," Ortiz said [3].
The win is the result of a specific training regimen designed to propel Golden Tempo to a late surge, allowing the horse to overtake the field in the final stretch of the race [5].
“"I consider myself a horse trainer, and I just happen to be female."”
DeVaux's victory represents a significant shift in the professional landscape of Thoroughbred racing. By becoming the first woman to win the Kentucky Derby, she validates the role of female trainers at the highest level of the sport and establishes a precedent for future women in the industry.
