Cherie DeVaux Reacts to Making History as First Female Trainer to Win Kentucky Derby: EXCLUSIVE
TODAY.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Cherie DeVaux made history as the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby when her horse, Golden Tempo, surged from last place to victory on May 2.
- Golden Tempo, a 23-1 longshot, was expertly guided by jockey Jose Ortiz, who outpaced his brother Irad Ortiz Jr., riding the favorite Renegade.
- DeVaux described Golden Tempo as a "deep closer" with strong stamina, explaining the horse's strategy of staying behind early and making a powerful late surge.
- The decision on whether Golden Tempo will compete in the Preakness Stakes on May 16 depends on the horse's health and recovery from the Derby, with DeVaux emphasizing the horse's well-being as the top priority.
- DeVaux’s journey to this historic win includes starting as a stable worker, becoming an assistant trainer, and launching her own stable in 2018; she credits her husband’s support and aims to continue breaking barriers in horse racing.
