Cherie DeVaux becomes the first female trainer to win the Derby, inspiring future generations of women in racing
Category: Sports
Golden Tempo made history on Saturday evening by winning the 152nd Kentucky Derby at 23-1 odds, marking a milestone for both the horse and his trainer, Cherie DeVaux. This victory highlights the horse's impressive pedigree and signifies a breakthrough moment for women in horse racing.
Golden Tempo, foaled on February 7, 2023, is the son of Curlin, a Hall of Fame thoroughbred known for his remarkable achievements, including wins in the Preakness Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Classic in 2007. Curlin was named American Horse of the Year in both 2007 and 2008 and remains one of the sport's all-time greats, having earned over $10 million in his career. His trainer was the renowned Steve Asmussen, and he was owned by Stonestreet Stables.
DeVaux's triumph at the Derby is historic as she became the first female trainer to win the prestigious race, a feat that has been 152 years in the making. Previously, the best finish by a female trainer was Shelley Riley's second place with Casual Lies in 1992. "I don’t even have any words right now. So, so happy for Golden Tempo. Jose (L. Ortiz) did a wonderful, masterful job. He had so much faith in this horse," DeVaux said shortly after the race.
Golden Tempo has never been sold at a public auction and was bred by his owners, Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stables. The horse's impressive lineage includes notable ancestors such as Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown winner, and Seattle Slew, who achieved the same honor in 1977. Other distinguished horses in Golden Tempo's pedigree include Bernardini, Native Dancer, Nashua, and A.P. Indy, all of whom have left a lasting mark on the sport.
DeVaux, who had previously expressed her ambition to be the first female to win the Kentucky Derby, emphasized her desire to inspire other women in the field. "The only thing I want to do in my career is be the first female to win a Kentucky Derby. This is our first Derby starter, and we’re one step closer. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there," she stated, highlighting the importance of representation in horse racing.
Prior to her Derby win, DeVaux had her first graded stakes victory in 2019 and had also celebrated success at the Breeders’ Cup. Her accomplishments have drawn praise from industry figures, including NBC broadcaster Britney Eurton, who noted, "Take gender out of it: She’s a phenomenal trainer. For her, this is her life. Male or female, this is what she’s wanted to do and she’s very, very good at it." Eurton believes DeVaux's success will pave the way for more female trainers in the sport.
Golden Tempo's victory was not just a personal achievement for DeVaux but also a moment of pride for his owners. Vincent Viola, of St. Elias Stable, celebrated his second Derby win, having previously owned the 2017 champion Always Dreaming. Co-owner Daisy Phipps Pulito also marked her first victory in the Derby, alongside jockey Jose Ortiz, who played a key role in the race.
Looking ahead, the win at the Kentucky Derby sets the stage for Golden Tempo's future in racing. The horse's pedigree suggests a promising career, and DeVaux's training prowess will likely continue to draw attention as they aim for future stakes races. The success at the Derby could also lead to increased opportunities for DeVaux and her team, as the horse racing community often rallies around successful trainers and their methods.
DeVaux's focus on providing a platform for women in horse racing will remain a priority. She stated, "It would be irresponsible of me to not acknowledge that what I’m doing does inadvertently make a difference, even if it’s not my intent." By breaking barriers and achieving historic wins, DeVaux hopes to inspire young girls to pursue careers in horse racing, a field that has traditionally been male-dominated.
As Golden Tempo embarks on the next phase of his racing career, attention will turn to DeVaux and her training strategies. The horse’s victory at the Derby adds to his impressive lineage and serves as a reminder of the potential for change within the sport. The horse racing community eagerly anticipates future performances from Golden Tempo and the impact of DeVaux’s trailblazing career.
With the Kentucky Derby win, DeVaux has set a new precedent in the sport, and the conversations surrounding female representation in horse racing are likely to grow. As she continues to challenge norms, the ripple effects of her success may inspire a new generation of trainers and jockeys. The next major event for Golden Tempo will be closely watched, as fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how this remarkable horse will perform in future races.