The 2026 Kentucky Derby took place on Saturday, and it was Golden Tempo who won the race.
Golden Tempo is trained by Cherie DeVaux, and with the win, DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby. She’s the second female trainer to ever win a Triple Crown event.
“I don’t even have any words right now. So, so happy for Golden Tempo. Jose (L. Ortiz) did a wonderful, masterful job. He had so much faith in this horse,” DeVaux said after the race on the broadcast.
When asked about being the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, DeVaux was glad to give a platform to other women.
“I honestly don’t know, but I’m glad I can be a representative for all women, that we can do anything we put our minds to,” DeVaux added.
Golden Tempo won the 152nd Kentucky Derby after being near the back, but a late push got the win.
DeVaux Makes History at Kentucky Derby
Ahead of the Kentucky Derby, DeVaux made it clear she wanted to make history.
DeVaux felt like Golden Tempo was a good chance for her to accomplish her dream, which she did.
“The only thing I want to do in my career is be the first female to win a Kentucky Derby,” DeVaux said. “This is our first Derby starter, and we’re one step closer. … Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” she said. “You have to be willing to fail to be able to succeed.”
DeVaux had her first graded stakes win in 2019. She then picked up a win on one of racing’s biggest stages with a victory at the Breeders’ Cup.
Although DeVaux had plans of winning the Kentucky Derby, she said she just wanted to provide a chance for girls to get into horse racing.
“It would be irresponsible of me to not acknowledge that what I’m doing does inadvertently make a difference, even if it’s not my intent,” said DeVaux, who grew up with seven brothers and two sisters. “My brothers are a lot bigger than me, so I think that’s what shaped me. I’ve had to fight and scrap and be heard so that I could survive growing up. And I understand that’s not the same for everybody.”
DeVaux Called a Phenomenal Trainer
Before Golden Tempo even ran in the Kentucky Derby, DeVaux had received plenty of praise.
NBC broadcaster, Britney Eurton, the daughter of trainer Peter Eurton, called DeVaux a phenomenal trainer.
“Take gender out of it: She’s a phenomenal trainer,” Eurton said of DeVaux. “For her, this is her life. Male or female, this is what she’s wanted to do and she’s very, very good at it. It’s just a matter of time whether it’s Cherie or another talented female trainer.”
Eurton also believes DeVaux will help shape the future of horse racing for women.
“My dad has a lot of female grooms, assistants,” Eurton said. “It can always be greater, but to have that representation is where the start is. And to have so much female support, I think, is huge.”
Golden Tempo Makes History With Kentucky Derby Win