Woman Trains First Kentucky Derby Winner in 152-Year History

Eight years of hard work paid off in the most spectacular way possible for horse trainer Cherie DeVaux at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

Her horse Golden Tempo charged from dead last to win the Kentucky Derby, making DeVaux the first woman to train a winner in the race's 152-year history. Jockey Jose Ortiz guided the 23-1 long shot down the stretch in a masterful ride that left the crowd stunned.

"I don't even have any words right now," DeVaux said after the win. "I'm just so, so happy for Golden Tempo."

The victory came in DeVaux's first Derby attempt since opening her own training stable eight years ago. She's only the second woman ever to train a Triple Crown race winner, following Jena Antonucci's Belmont Stakes victory in 2023.

DeVaux is just the 18th woman to even saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby. The numbers show how rare this achievement really is in a sport where women have historically faced barriers to advancement.

During Derby week, DeVaux's perspective shifted about what this milestone means. She moved from downplaying the historic nature of her potential win to embracing her role as a trailblazer for young girls dreaming of careers in horse racing.

"I'm glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to," DeVaux said.

Ortiz delivered his own piece of history with the win, capturing his first Derby victory in 11 attempts. The timing was perfect, coming just 24 hours after he won the Kentucky Oaks, the premier race for three-year-old fillies.

Why This Inspires

DeVaux's journey shows the power of persistence and self-belief. Eight years of building a stable, developing horses, and working toward this moment culminated in a single two-minute race that changed history.

Her win opens doors for the next generation of women in horse racing. Every girl watching on Saturday now has proof that the biggest stages in sports aren't limited by gender, just by dedication and skill.

The victory also highlights how barriers continue to fall across professional sports, one historic achievement at a time.