All Cherie DeVaux wanted to do was win the Kentucky Derby. Making history? She’s just glad that part is over
Cherie DeVaux’s Kentucky Derby Win: A Historic Achievement
All Cherie DeVaux wanted to do was – Cherie DeVaux’s journey to the Kentucky Derby was not about chasing fame or recognition—her ultimate goal was to secure victory. When the 152nd Kentucky Derby concluded, she became the first female trainer to claim the prestigious title, an achievement that, while momentous, felt like a natural progression rather than a grand milestone. “All Cherie DeVaux wanted to do was win the race,” she recalls, her tone warm and grounded. “Making history? That was just a byproduct.”
A Vision Board Beyond the Hype
Long before the term “vision board” entered mainstream culture, DeVaux had her own form of goal-setting. As a self-proclaimed Type A personality, she transformed her aspirations into visual reminders, tacked to her walls as a constant source of motivation. These goals ranged from academic success to athletic triumphs, but the central image on her board was always the garland of roses—the Derby’s ultimate prize. “I made that vision board before the LeComte,” she says, referencing the first stakes race Golden Tempo won. “Do I believe in that stuff? I do now.”
“It wasn’t about being the first woman to win,” DeVaux clarifies. “It was about training a horse to cross the finish line first.”
The Silent Struggle Behind the Spotlight
DeVaux’s breakthrough came after years of persistence in a male-dominated field. She didn’t inherit a legacy of trainers but built her own through relentless effort and unshakable belief in her craft. “It takes guts to survive in a man’s world,” she says. “You have to fight not just for yourself, but for the next generation to have the same opportunities.” Her victory wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a symbol of progress, breaking barriers that had stood for decades.
While the headlines celebrated her as a trailblazer, DeVaux’s focus remained on the process. “I wasn’t planning for this moment,” she explains. “I was just trying to get my horses ready to run.” This mindset underscores her desire to be judged by her work, not by the novelty of her achievement. “I want people to remember Golden Tempo’s talent and my training,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of merit over identity.
Equality in Every Step
DeVaux’s success is a testament to the power of quiet determination. Though the Derby’s history is steeped in tradition, her win signaled a shift toward inclusivity. “No female trainer had won before,” she notes, reflecting on the significance of her milestone. “But I didn’t think about it as a big deal. I just wanted to train the best horse I could.” Her stepdaughter, a young girl with her own dreams, represents the real impact of her journey. “I want her to see that there’s a trainer who made it happen—not just because she’s a woman, but because she’s talented.”
Despite the attention, DeVaux remains focused on the future. “Golden Tempo won’t run in the Preakness,” she mentions, already envisioning the next race. “But I’m thinking about the next one, not the title.” Her determination to keep pushing forward reflects a broader vision for the sport: real equality, where recognition is earned through skill and consistency rather than historical significance alone.
A Legacy Built on Foundation
The Kentucky Derby’s storied history is a backdrop for DeVaux’s achievement, but she views it as a new chapter rather than a conclusion. “This race has endured wars, pandemics, and changing times,” she says, highlighting its resilience. “I hope my win adds a new story—one where a woman’s expertise is recognized as equally valuable.” Her journey, from humble beginnings to a historic moment, serves as inspiration for aspiring trainers everywhere. “If someone wants to do it, they can,” she insists, her voice steady with conviction.
