Kentucky Derby Winner Trainer Defends Horse's Health First

When Cherie DeVaux made history winning the Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo, she never imagined the backlash that would follow her next decision.

The 44-year-old trainer chose to rest her champion horse instead of running the Preakness Stakes two weeks later, prioritizing Golden Tempo's health over a shot at the coveted Triple Crown. Some fans called the decision unfair, but DeVaux isn't backing down.

"The horse is not a machine," DeVaux told Fox News Digital. "They're animals, and they're not just a car where you can go out and run them in two weeks."

The decision wasn't made lightly or alone. DeVaux worked with Golden Tempo's owners, taking several days after the Derby to assess what was best for the horse's entire racing career, not just one legendary achievement.

Critics questioned why she'd enter the Derby at all if she wasn't committed to the full Triple Crown. DeVaux called that perspective unfair, explaining that responsible training means adapting to each horse's unique needs and capabilities.

"It takes a unique horse to be able to come back and run in two weeks," she explained. "We're focused on a bigger picture than the Triple Crown."

Golden Tempo is healthy, but DeVaux believes the compressed timeline between races would take too much out of him. Instead, they're pointing toward the Belmont Stakes, giving the horse proper recovery time between competitions.

Why This Inspires

DeVaux's choice shows what true advocacy looks like. In a sport where glory and tradition carry enormous weight, she's choosing the wellbeing of the animal in her care over external pressure and historic opportunities.

She's also navigating criticism that comes with breaking barriers. As the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, DeVaux faces scrutiny that male trainers might not encounter for similar decisions.

The Saratoga Springs native acknowledges the disappointment from Triple Crown fans while standing firm in her responsibility. "If you're not going to understand, then I can't help you," she said, noting that critics aren't in her position as the horse's trainer.

This year's Triple Crown layout is already different from tradition. The Preakness is being held at Laurel Park instead of Pimlico due to renovations, and the Belmont will run at Saratoga Race Course rather than Belmont Park, also at a different distance.

DeVaux remains focused on giving Golden Tempo the best possible year-long racing career, even if it means passing on immediate glory.

Her message is clear: sometimes the bravest choice is saying no, even when the whole world is watching.