The truth about success in racing, just like in business, is that it rarely happens overnight. It takes years of quiet work, missed chances, and moments where giving up feels easier than pushing forward. That is exactly why what happened at Churchill Downs in May 2026 did not just feel like another win, it felt earned on every level. While many people only saw the final seconds of the race, those who understand the sport knew this moment had been building for years.
In a race filled with expectations, pressure, and seasoned names, Cherie DeVaux stepped into history in a way that instantly changed conversations in horse racing. Her horse, Golden Tempo, did not just win, it delivered one of the most dramatic finishes the Kentucky Derby has seen in recent times.
A Historic Win That Changed the Game
On May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs, the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby gave fans something unforgettable. Golden Tempo, going off as a 23-1 longshot, started from the back of the field. At a point, it looked like the race was already decided.
Then everything changed.
With José Ortiz guiding the horse patiently, Golden Tempo began closing in, overtaking one runner after another. In the final stretch, the energy shifted completely. The horse surged forward and edged past co-favorite Renegade, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., winning by a narrow margin in 2:02.27.
That finish alone would have been enough to make headlines. But the bigger story was behind the horse.
Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer in the 152-year history of the Kentucky Derby to saddle a winner. Not second. Not one of a few. The first ever.
From Quiet Beginnings to Racing’s Biggest Stage
Cherie DeVaux’s journey did not start with instant recognition or major backing. Born on December 2, 1981, in Saratoga Springs, New York, she grew up around horses, but her path was not as direct as many would expect.
She initially pursued pre-med studies at SUNY Albany before realizing her future was not in medicine. That decision alone came with risk, especially stepping into a competitive industry like horse racing.
She started as an exercise rider, putting in long hours behind the scenes. Over time, she worked under respected trainers like Chad Brown and Chuck Simon, learning the system from the ground up.
By 2018, she made a bold move to launch her own stable with just eight horses. There was no guarantee it would work. In fact, even she admitted later that she did not fully believe in herself at the time.
Her first win came in 2019, and from there, progress was steady, not rushed. By 2025, her stable had already crossed over $30 million in career earnings, proving consistency and discipline.
The Comeback Story Behind the Win
What makes this story stand out is not just the Derby victory, but the period before it.
Around 2017 to 2018, DeVaux faced burnout while working as an assistant trainer. It was one of those moments where stepping away completely felt like a real option. Instead, with encouragement from her husband, she chose to start fresh.
That decision changed everything.
Her Derby win mirrors that same journey. Just like Golden Tempo came from last place to win, DeVaux rebuilt her career from a point where things could have ended.
After the race, her emotional reaction said everything. She openly admitted, “I didn’t believe,” a simple statement that connected deeply with fans and viewers across the world.
Career Achievements Before the Derby
Before this historic moment, DeVaux was already building a strong reputation within the industry.
She recorded major wins including the Breeders’ Cup Mile in 2024 with More Than Looks. She also secured multiple Grade 1 victories such as the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup and E.P. Taylor Stakes.
In 2025, one of her trained horses, She Feels Pretty, earned the American Champion Female Turf Horse title. These achievements showed that her Derby win was not luck, it was the next level of an already growing career.
Business Growth and Net Worth
Like many professionals in horse racing, exact financial figures are not publicly confirmed. However, based on her stable’s performance and earnings, estimates place Cherie DeVaux’s net worth between $2 million and $10 million as of 2026.
Winning the Kentucky Derby significantly boosts earnings, not just from prize money, but from increased visibility, partnerships, and future opportunities.
Her business operates as an independent training stable, working with top owners and bloodstock agents. One notable collaboration includes her husband, David Ingordo, known for identifying elite racehorses.
Together, they also work through partnerships like Belladonna Racing, focusing on selecting and developing promising horses.
Personal Life and Support System
Behind the success is a strong personal foundation. DeVaux is married to David Ingordo, and she is also a stepmother to Reagan Ingordo.
She often credits her husband for encouraging her to take the leap into independence when she doubted herself. That support became a key part of her growth.
Coming from a large family with nine siblings also shaped her resilience. Growing up in that environment built the toughness and mindset that now defines her approach to racing.
Public Reaction and Media Buzz
The reaction to her Derby win was immediate and widespread.
Clips of her emotional celebration went viral across social media platforms. Fans described the moment as “movie-like” and “inspiring,” especially seeing a longshot horse and a determined trainer achieve something historic together.
Major platforms like CNN, NBC, and The TODAY Show featured her story, while sports shows including The Pat McAfee Show highlighted the emotional side of her journey.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising her humility, authenticity, and the way she represents women in sports without forcing the narrative.
No Controversy, Just Respect
In an industry that sometimes faces challenges, including safety concerns and regulatory issues, DeVaux’s record remains clean.
There are no major controversies tied to her name. No scandals, no negative headlines. Her reputation is built on discipline, consistency, and genuine passion for the sport.
That alone adds credibility to her story and strengthens her standing within the racing community.
Why This Win Matters Beyond Racing
This was not just a win for Cherie DeVaux. It was a shift in perspective.
For over 150 years, no female trainer had achieved this milestone in the Kentucky Derby. Her victory breaks that barrier and opens the door wider for others.
At the same time, she does not define herself only by gender. She has made it clear that she sees herself first as a trainer who happens to be female, not the other way around.
That mindset is part of what makes her story resonate even more.