A day later, Cherie DeVaux reflects on being first woman trainer to win Kentucky Derby

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUkFWy-MDUY

Trainer Cherie DeVaux is still processing a landmark moment in horse racing history after her horse, Golden Tempo, delivered a stunning longshot victory in the Kentucky Derby.

Just one day after the race, DeVaux said she is still coming to terms with the magnitude of the win, which made her the first woman trainer to ever win the Kentucky Derby.

A breakthrough moment in racing history

The Kentucky Derby, held annually at Churchill Downs, is one of the most prestigious events in horse racing. Golden Tempo’s unexpected victory defied odds and reshaped expectations heading into the race, where more heavily favored horses were widely expected to dominate.

DeVaux’s win marks a historic milestone in a sport that has long been male-dominated at its highest levels of competition.

“Still coming to grips with it”

In post-race reflections, DeVaux described the experience as overwhelming, noting that the reality of the achievement has not fully sunk in. She emphasized the emotional weight of the moment, both personally and professionally, as she processed the win and its significance within the sport.

The significance of Golden Tempo’s performance

Golden Tempo entered the race as a longshot, making the victory even more remarkable. The horse’s performance showcased:

• Strong late-race acceleration

• Strategic positioning during the final stretch

• The ability to outperform higher-ranked contenders under pressure

The result surprised many in the racing community and quickly became one of the defining storylines of the event.

A milestone for women in horse racing

DeVaux’s victory is being widely recognized as a breakthrough moment for women in horse racing. While women have long contributed to the sport as jockeys, trainers, and owners, wins at the highest levels of major races like the Kentucky Derby have remained rare.

Her achievement is expected to further elevate conversations about representation and opportunity within the industry.

What comes next

Following the win, attention now turns to:

• Future races for Golden Tempo

• DeVaux’s continued presence in top-tier racing competitions

• How the victory may influence ownership and training opportunities moving forward

Bottom line

Cherie DeVaux’s Kentucky Derby win with Golden Tempo is more than an upset victory—it is a historic milestone. As she continues to process the achievement, her success is already being recognized as a defining moment in modern horse racing and a breakthrough for women in the sport.