TL;DR
- Cherie DeVaux becomes the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner.
- Golden Tempo wins the 152nd Run for the Roses.
- DeVaux aims to be a role model for women in sports.
- She emphasizes the importance of equal standards in the industry.
- DeVaux dreams of winning the Triple Crown next.
In a groundbreaking moment for the world of horse racing, Cherie DeVaux has made history by becoming the first woman to train the winning horse at the Kentucky Derby. Her horse, Golden Tempo, galloped to victory in the 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs this past Saturday, and the excitement is palpable. This isn’t just a win; it’s a statement that women can dominate in a field traditionally ruled by men.
For over a decade, DeVaux worked tirelessly, training other people’s horses while dreaming of the day she would take the reins herself. That day has finally arrived, and it’s clear that she’s not just here to participate; she’s here to dominate. “I wanted to do something more for myself, have a little bit more of a personal life,” she said, reflecting on her decision to go solo in 2018. And boy, did she deliver!
Golden Tempo’s victory wasn’t just a stroke of luck; it was the result of hard work, determination, and a little bit of magic. The horse made a stunning late surge, overcoming a last-place position to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Jockey Jose Ortiz played a pivotal role, showcasing his skills by defeating his own brother, who was riding the favorite, Renegade. Talk about family drama!
DeVaux’s journey to this monumental win has been anything but easy. She started as a stable worker and climbed the ranks, proving her mettle in a male-dominated industry. The closest a woman had come to winning the Derby before her was Shelley Riley in 1992, who trained a horse to second place. But DeVaux wasn’t just aiming for a participation trophy; she set her sights on making history. “The only thing that I want to do in my career is be the first female to win a Kentucky Derby,” she declared before the race.
With this win, DeVaux has not only fulfilled her dream but has also become a beacon of hope and inspiration for women everywhere. “Being a female in this industry, the standards aren’t always equal,” she noted, making it clear that she’s not just racing for herself but for all women who aspire to break barriers. “I’m glad I can be representative of women everywhere. We can do anything we set our minds to,” she said, and we couldn’t agree more.
So, what’s next for DeVaux? With the Kentucky Derby trophy in her hands, she now has her eyes set on the Triple Crown. Will she take Golden Tempo to the Preakness? DeVaux is keeping her cards close to her chest, stating she’ll see how the horse responds before making any decisions. But one thing is for sure: Cherie DeVaux is a name we’ll be hearing a lot more of in the future.
In a world where women are still fighting for equal representation in sports, DeVaux’s victory is a powerful reminder that dreams can come true and that barriers can be shattered. “You can dream big and you can pivot, you can come from one place and make yourself a part of history,” she said, and we’re here for it. Cherie DeVaux, you are a true champion, and we can’t wait to see what you do next!
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