Cherie DeVaux has etched her name into the history books after becoming the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.
Her horse, Golden Tempo, delivered a stunning performance in the 152nd edition of the prestigious American race held at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2.
The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious American horse race known as "The Run for the Roses" that serves as the first leg of the Triple Crown and is often compared to the glitz and high stakes of a Formula 1 Grand Prix or a major international marathon.
Golden Tempo entered the track as a 23-1 outsider, a long shot that many analysts had overlooked.
However, the horse produced a thunderous late surge under the guidance of jockey Jose Ortiz to overtake the 4-1 favourite, Renegade, right at the finish line.
The victory carried a unique family twist, as Renegade was ridden by the jockey’s brother, Irad Ortiz Jr. Ocelli rounded out the top three in a finish that has since gone viral on social media.
An emotional DeVaux admitted after the race that she never imagined reaching such a milestone when she started her journey over two decades ago.
“I started my career here 22 years ago as a bright-eyed exercise rider and I would not believe that I would be sitting up here today,” she told the BBC.
DeVaux’s path to the top was built on years of hard work, beginning with hands-on farm duties before serving as a high-level assistant.
She only launched her independent career in 2018 after seeking a better professional balance.
The 44-year-old told WLEX-TV that the decision to strike out on her own followed a deep conversation with her husband about burnout and personal goals.
While she initially gave herself three years to find success, she secured a major breakthrough within just 11 months. Her momentum faced challenges during the pandemic, but she remained resilient, eventually landing a significant victory at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup before this historic Derby win.
“Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job at getting him there. He was so far out of it, and he has had so much faith in this horse,” DeVaux told NBC News while praising her jockey.
She noted that breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry remains a priority for her, stating that she hopes to be a strong role model for those who feel the standards are not always equal.