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

Key facts

• Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.
• Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
• Golden Tempo edged Renegade in the race.
• The Kentucky Derby is America's longest continuously held sporting event.
• The race is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs.
• Always a Runner won the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) on Friday night.
• Right to Party was declared from Derby 152, allowing Robusta to enter.
• Nycon was scratched from the Longines Kentucky Oaks.

A Historic Victory on the First Saturday in May

Cherie DeVaux etched her name into the annals of thoroughbred racing on Saturday, becoming the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby when Golden Tempo surged past Renegade in the final strides of the 152nd running at Churchill Downs. The victory, achieved before a crowd of tens of thousands dressed in the event's signature finery, shattered a barrier that had stood since the race's inception in 1875. Golden Tempo's rally was the culmination of a journey that began years earlier, when DeVaux told her mother she was leaving for the racetrack. 'I just looked at her and said: "No, I'm going to go work on the racetrack." She's like: "Are you sure?" I was like, "I'm just going to see how it works," ' DeVaux recalled. The win not only marked a personal milestone but also a historic moment for the sport, which has long been dominated by male trainers. DeVaux's path to the Derby record book was paved with determination and a deep understanding of her horse's abilities.

Golden Tempo's Late Charge Edges Renegade

In a race often decided by inches, Golden Tempo found the necessary burst in the final furlong to overtake Renegade, who had led for much of the stretch. The victory was a testament to DeVaux's training regimen and the horse's stamina, as Golden Tempo covered the 1 1/4-mile distance in a time that underscored the competitiveness of the field. Renegade's connections were left to rue what might have been, as the colt had appeared poised to capture the garland of roses. The narrow margin of defeat highlighted the fine line between triumph and heartbreak on the sport's biggest stage. The race, often called 'the most exciting two minutes in sports,' lived up to its billing, with the crowd roaring as the horses thundered down the homestretch.

A Weekend of High Stakes and Last-Minute Changes

The Derby weekend was not without its drama off the track. Right to Party was declared from the Derby 152 field, a decision that allowed Robusta to gain a spot in the starting gate. Meanwhile, Nycon was scratched from the Longines Kentucky Oaks, the filly counterpart to the Derby, which was won by Always a Runner on Friday night. Always a Runner, owned by Douglas Scharbauer and Three Chimneys Farm, remained undefeated after capturing the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1). The filly kicked into high gear late to secure victory, adding to the weekend's narrative of late-charging winners. The Kentucky Oaks, known as the 'Run for the Lilies,' drew an elite field of three-year-old fillies, and Always a Runner's performance solidified her status as a rising star in the sport.

The Numbers Behind the 152nd Running

The Kentucky Derby, now in its 152nd edition, is America's longest continuously held sporting event, a tradition that has endured through wars, economic upheavals, and social change. The race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Churchill Downs, with its iconic twin spires, played host to tens of thousands of spectators, many of whom arrived dressed in elaborate hats, linen suits, and gaudy dresses. The event's blend of high-speed competition and high-fashion spectacle has made it a cultural touchstone far beyond the world of horse racing. The purse for the Derby, while not specified in the sources, typically exceeds $3 million, with the winner's share representing a life-changing sum for owners and trainers alike.

A Tradition of Elegance and Competition

Long ago, horse racing was referred to as the 'sport of kings' for its connection to nobility and high society. The Derby offers a chance for all to play dress-up, celebrate the historic sport, and travel back in time, as one observer noted. The sights, the sounds, the grandeur — at the end of the day, it's almost as important as which horse wins. The event's visual appeal is unmatched: horses galloping around a dirt track, the stands filled with spectators in their finest attire, the twin spires of Churchill Downs looming above. The Derby has gone on like this for more than 150 years, a constant in a changing world. For many attendees, the Derby is as much about the pageantry as the racing, a chance to partake in one of the grandest spectacles in sport.

What Comes Next for Golden Tempo and DeVaux

With the Derby victory, Golden Tempo is now a contender for the Triple Crown, with the Preakness Stakes in two weeks and the Belmont Stakes in June. DeVaux will have to decide whether to pursue the series or give her horse a rest, balancing the demands of the sport with the horse's well-being. DeVaux's historic achievement is likely to inspire a new generation of female trainers and jockeys, signaling a shift in a sport that has been slow to embrace diversity. Her success may also prompt more owners to consider female trainers for their top horses. The racing world will be watching closely to see if Golden Tempo can replicate its Derby performance and whether DeVaux can build on her breakthrough moment.

A Barrier Broken, a Legacy Begun

Cherie DeVaux's victory is more than a personal triumph; it is a milestone for thoroughbred racing, a sport steeped in tradition but often resistant to change. By becoming the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, she has opened a door that many thought might remain closed for years to come. The win also underscores the unpredictability of the Derby, where a horse that rallies late can overcome even the most determined front-runner. Golden Tempo's name will now be etched alongside the greats of the sport, a testament to the horse's heart and the trainer's skill. As the crowd filed out of Churchill Downs, the twin spires casting long shadows in the evening light, the 152nd Kentucky Derby had delivered not just a race, but a moment that will be remembered long after the roses have faded.

The bottom line

• Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, with Golden Tempo edging Renegade.
• The 152nd Derby continued its legacy as America's longest continuously held sporting event.
• Always a Runner won the Kentucky Oaks, remaining undefeated.
• Right to Party was declared from the Derby, allowing Robusta to enter; Nycon was scratched from the Oaks.
• The Derby blends high-speed competition with elaborate fashion and deep-rooted tradition.
• Golden Tempo's victory opens the possibility of a Triple Crown bid.