Cherie Devaux Becomes First Female Trainer to Win Kentucky Derby

Trainer Cherie Devaux made history on May 2, 2026, by becoming the first woman to win the Kentucky Derby in its 152-year history. Her horse, Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, overcame 23-1 odds to win the race at Churchill Downs with a time of 2:02.27, beating 17 other horses by a neck. Devaux, 44, is only the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Derby; the previous best finish by a female trainer was Shelley Riley's second place in 1992 with Casual Lies. Devaux is also the second woman to train a Triple Crown race winner, following Jena Antonucci, who won the 2023 Belmont Stakes with Arcangelo. Devaux began her career as an exercise rider 22 years ago, earned her training license in 2018, and secured her first win in her 29th start in 2019. She stated that her gender never crossed her mind during her journey and expressed hope that her achievement inspires other women and girls.