kentucky derby horse race

Historic Kentucky Derby: Cherie DeVaux Makes History as First Female Trainer to Win

The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby delivered a seismic moment in horse racing history when trainer Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to ever win the prestigious race, piloting Golden Tempo to victory in a dramatic and tightly contested field.

The win marks a watershed moment for gender equality in one of America’s most storied sporting traditions—a sport long dominated by male jockeys, trainers, and owners. DeVaux’s triumph wasn’t just personal; it shattered a glass ceiling that had stood unbroken for over a century.

A Race of Drama, Speed, and Destiny

Held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May, the 2026 Kentucky Derby saw 20 horses thunder down the famed 1¼-mile track. The field was loaded with contenders from across the globe, but it was Golden Tempo—trained by DeVaux and ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz—who seized the lead in the final stretch.

Ortiz, who famously came from last place to pass his brother Irad Ortiz Jr. en route to victory, executed a flawless ride under pressure. As Golden Tempo surged ahead, the crowd erupted in disbelief and celebration. Not only did they witness a thrilling finish, but they also witnessed history being made.

Breaking Barriers: Cherie DeVaux’s Historic Victory

Cherie DeVaux’s name will forever be etched into the annals of American sports. At 48 years old, she is not only the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner but also a trailblazer who has spent decades fighting for recognition in a male-dominated industry.

DeVaux began her career as a stable hand and worked her way up through sheer determination and horsemanship. She opened her own training operation in Florida before relocating to California, where she built a reputation for producing top-tier thoroughbreds. Her persistence paid off when Golden Tempo emerged as a standout prospect early in his three-year-old season.

“I always believed I could do this,” DeVaux said after the race, visibly emotional. “It’s not just about me—it’s about every woman who’s ever been told she didn’t belong here. This horse believed in himself, and I believe in every horse I train.”

Her achievement echoes that of Diane Crump, who rode the first female jockey in the Kentucky Derby in 1970, and Rosie Napravnik, who became the first woman to win the race in 2012. But unlike those milestones, which were individual accomplishments, DeVaux’s win represents systemic progress—proof that women can now compete at the highest level as trainers, not just riders or support staff.

The Ortiz Brothers’ Rivalry Adds Extra Edge

Adding another layer of drama to the day was the presence of two of the sport’s most accomplished riders: Jose Ortiz and his brother Irad Ortiz Jr. Both had strong rides, but it was Jose who capitalized on a late surge to overtake his sibling just inches from the wire.

“It’s surreal,” Jose Ortiz told reporters post-race. “Winning the Derby is everything you dream of. To do it this way, beating my brother… I don’t know how to put it into words.”

Their rivalry has become a modern classic in racing folklore, and their performance in 2026 further solidified their status among the elite. Yet, while the focus often lands on jockeys, it’s worth noting that both brothers have relied on trainers like DeVaux—highlighting the collaborative nature of success at the pinnacle of the sport.

Why This Matters: Gender Equality in Horse Racing

Horse racing remains one of the few major U.S. sports where women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles. According to data from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), less than 10% of licensed trainers nationwide are women—a statistic that hasn’t shifted dramatically in decades.

DeVaux’s victory challenges long-held assumptions about physical strength, experience, and authority within the industry. Her success may inspire younger women to pursue careers in equine training, veterinary science, or even ownership.

“This changes the conversation,” said Sarah Kline, executive director of the Women’s Sports Foundation. “When someone proves themselves not just once, but consistently at the highest level, it sends a powerful message to young athletes everywhere.”

Moreover, the win comes at a time when the sport faces scrutiny over its inclusivity and modernization. With declining attendance and competition from other forms of entertainment, the Kentucky Derby must continually evolve—and DeVaux’s breakthrough offers hope that change is possible.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Beyond symbolism, DeVaux’s win carries tangible economic implications. Sponsorship deals, media attention, and breeding rights for Golden Tempo are expected to generate millions in revenue over the next decade. As the horse embarks on the Triple Crown trail, bookmakers and fans alike anticipate heightened interest—not only because of the horse’s potential but also due to the human story behind it.

Culturally, the moment resonated far beyond Churchill Downs. Social media platforms lit up with tributes, memes, and calls for greater inclusion in sports coverage. Major networks began highlighting DeVaux’s background in post-race analysis, giving her a platform previously reserved almost exclusively for male trainers.

“We need more stories like hers,” said ESPN’s lead racing analyst, Dan Freedman. “It humanizes the sport and reminds everyone why we love it—because anyone can achieve greatness if given the chance.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Golden Tempo and DeVaux?

Following his Derby win, Golden Tempo entered the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course as one of the favorites. However, injuries to key staff and logistical challenges forced DeVaux to withdraw the horse from the second leg of the Triple Crown—a decision she described as “heartbreaking but necessary.”

“Golden Tempo is healthy and happy,” DeVaux explained. “We’ll regroup, reassess, and come back stronger. This isn’t the end of his journey—it’s just the beginning.”

For now, all eyes remain on DeVaux as she prepares for the Belmont Stakes and potential future campaigns. Industry insiders speculate that her success may prompt more investment in women-owned training operations and mentorship programs aimed at diversifying the sport.

Historical Context: How We Got Here

To understand the magnitude of DeVaux’s achievement, it helps to look back. The Kentucky Derby debuted in 1875, and for nearly 150 years, no woman had ever trained a winner. Jockeys like Barbara Jo Rubin (first female rider to win a sanctioned race in 1969) and Rosie Napravnik (first woman to win the Derby in 2012) broke barriers in riding, but training remained largely inaccessible.

Even today, female trainers like Linda Rice, Christophe Clement, and Chad Brown have achieved notable success but rarely capture mainstream headlines. DeVaux’s victory signals a shift—not just in results, but in perception.

“She didn’t just beat the boys,” said veteran journalist Mike Lupica. “She redefined what’s possible. And in doing so, she’s helping rewrite the rules of the game.”

The Bigger Picture: Modernizing a Classic Sport

As the 2026 Kentucky Derby concludes its legacy run—this edition being the last under current ownership before planned renovations begin—the sport stands at a crossroads. Attendance numbers have fluctuated in recent years, and younger audiences increasingly favor digital experiences over traditional live events.

Yet moments like DeVaux’s win demonstrate the enduring power of storytelling in horse racing. Fans connect with narratives of perseverance, family rivalries, and historic breakthroughs—elements that transcend generations.

Going forward, experts suggest that embracing diversity, investing in technology (like virtual reality broadcasts), and expanding outreach to urban communities could help revitalize interest. But nothing replaces authenticity, and nothing beats a genuine underdog story rising to the occasion.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

Cherie DeVaux’s victory at the 152nd Kentucky Derby is more than a footnote in racing history—it’s a catalyst for change. In a sport steeped in tradition, her win proves that innovation and inclusivity can coexist.

As Golden Tempo gallops toward future races—and as DeVaux mentors the next generation of female trainers—the ripple effects will be felt across the industry. For Canadian audiences following along via CBC, ESPN, and international broadcasters, this moment serves as both inspiration and a reminder of how far the world of sports has come.

And as Churchill Downs prepares for its next chapter, one thing is certain: the roar of hooves on dirt will continue—but now, the voices cheering them on include many more who never thought they’d be heard.