On May 2, 2026, Cherie DeVaux etched her name into the history books as the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. The 152nd edition of the "Run for the Roses" delivered a narrative that the sport will discuss for decades. Under the twin spires of Churchill Downs, DeVaux watched her talented colt, Golden Tempo, navigate a crowded field of twenty to secure the most prestigious trophy in American horse racing. This victory represents more than just a single win; it signals a tectonic shift in the landscape of elite horse training. Fans and analysts already look toward the horizon, scouring the 2026 Kentucky Derby Odds to see how this historic result reshapes the market.
Cherie DeVaux did not arrive at the winner's circle by accident. She spent years honing her craft as a top-tier assistant to legendary trainers like Chad Brown. During her tenure with Brown, she managed some of the finest thoroughbreds in the world, including the resilient champion Lady Eli. This experience taught her how to handle high-stakes pressure and the delicate physical needs of elite athletes. In 2018, she launched her own stable, building it brick by brick with a focus on patience and statistical analysis. Her rise through the ranks proves that merit and hard work eventually command the spotlight. Those who follow the Kentucky Derby leaderboard noticed her name climbing steadily over the last few seasons.
DeVaux grew up in Saratoga Springs, a town synonymous with racing excellence. Her family’s deep roots in harness racing provided her with an early education in equine behavior and management. After a brief stint in pre-med studies, she chose the dirt and grass of the racetrack over the clinical white of a hospital. She began as a stable worker and worked her way through every facet of the operation. This ground-up perspective gives her a unique advantage when evaluating Kentucky Derby contenders. She understands the subtle nuances of a horse's stride and the psychological state required to win at the highest level.
Golden Tempo: The Horse That Made History
Golden Tempo, a son of the legendary sire Curlin, possessed the pedigree to win, but he needed the right guidance to find his peak. Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable entrusted DeVaux with this valuable colt, recognizing her ability to develop young talent. Golden Tempo showed flashes of brilliance early in his three-year-old campaign, though he entered the Derby as a 25-1 long shot according to some 2026 Kentucky Derby betting markets. DeVaux maintained unwavering faith in the horse's closing speed. She designed a training regimen that emphasized stamina, ensuring the colt could handle the grueling ten-furlong distance of the Derby.
The path to the 152nd Derby was not without its hurdles. Golden Tempo faced stiff competition in the prep races, finishing third in both the Risen Star and the Louisiana Derby. Many bettors overlooked him when checking the Kentucky Derby entries because he lacked a recent win. However, DeVaux knew her horse was maturing at exactly the right time. She focused on his recovery and mental focus, ignoring the noise of the media and the fluctuating Kentucky Derby futures. This surgical approach allowed Golden Tempo to peak on the first Saturday in May, proving that preparation often trumps previous win percentages.
Jockey Jose Ortiz deserves immense credit for executing the plan DeVaux laid out. Breaking from post 19, Ortiz faced the challenge of avoiding a wide trip while staying clear of traffic. He settled Golden Tempo toward the rear of the pack, allowing the frontrunners to tire themselves out in a blistering opening half-mile. As the field turned for home, Ortiz found a seam between horses and unleashed Golden Tempo's massive stride. The colt responded with a devastating turn of foot, passing rivals with every jump. Those who decided to bet on the Kentucky Derby online and backed this duo were rewarded with a massive payout as history unfolded.
The cross of Curlin out of a Bernardini mare (Carrumba) represents the pinnacle of classic American breeding. This combination provides the "engine" needed for distance and the "heart" required for the stretch drive. DeVaux understood that Golden Tempo inherited his sire's toughness. By focusing on his endurance rather than raw speed, she maximized his natural gifts. Horse racing enthusiasts frequently study such bloodlines when analyzing 2026 Kentucky Derby betting opportunities, and Golden Tempo now serves as the gold standard for this specific cross.
DeVaux’s win resonates far beyond the betting windows. For decades, the training ranks of the Triple Crown remained a male-dominated enclave. While Jena Antonucci broke the Triple Crown barrier at the Belmont Stakes, the Kentucky Derby remained the final frontier. By winning the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports," DeVaux provides a blueprint for future female trainers. She downplayed the gender aspect leading up to the race, focusing instead on the horse, but she embraced the role-model status after the win. This victory ensures that more young women will see a path for themselves in the upper echelons of the sport.
Smart bettors should look at the DeVaux stable as a major force in the coming years. Her ability to bring a long shot to the winner's circle suggests a deep understanding of value and timing. As we look toward the next racing season, keeping an eye on her barn will be essential for anyone tracking 2026 Kentucky Derby Odds. She manages her entries with precision, rarely over-matching a horse before it is ready. This conservative but effective management style creates reliable performers that often outrun their odds in major stakes.
The DeVaux operation continues to expand, attracting high-profile owners and better bloodstock. Her marriage to bloodstock agent David Ingordo creates a powerful "dream team" in the industry, combining elite talent scouting with world-class training. This synergy likely means we will see more DeVaux trainees near the top of the Kentucky Derby leaderboard in the years to come. The industry now views her not just as a "female trainer," but as one of the best trainers in the world, period.
Winning the Kentucky Derby provides a massive boost to a trainer's commercial value. Future owners will flock to DeVaux, hoping she can find the next Golden Tempo. For fans, this means her horses will likely carry shorter prices in the 2026 Kentucky Derby Odds moving forward. The betting public recognizes talent, and DeVaux has proven she belongs at the top. The financial ripples of this win will benefit her stable, her owners, and the breeders for years to come.
Cherie DeVaux and Golden Tempo changed the narrative of horse racing forever. By combining traditional horsemanship with modern data and a relentless work ethic, DeVaux conquered the most difficult race in the world. As the dust settles on the 152nd Kentucky Derby, the industry looks forward with renewed energy. Do not miss your chance to be part of the next historic moment in racing. Sign up today to access exclusive insights, live streaming, and the best 2026 Kentucky Derby betting platforms. Track the latest Kentucky Derby futures and place your bets with the confidence of a champion. The road to the 2026 Tiple Crown is already starting—are you ready to win?
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
