Cherie DeVaux: First Woman to Train Triple Crown Opening Leg Winner

Cherie DeVaux has become the first woman to train the winner of the Kentucky Derby, the opening leg of the Triple Crown. The historic milestone was achieved on May 2, 2026, during the 152nd running of the race.

The victory came via Golden Tempo, the horse trained by DeVaux, who secured the win in a field of competitors to make history for both the trainer and the sport of horse racing.

Breaking a Gender Barrier

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious events in global sports and has been contested since 1875. For 151 previous editions, the winner’s circle had not included a female trainer.

DeVaux’s achievement represents a significant shift in the industry, marking the first time a woman has guided a horse to victory in the first leg of the Triple Crown. The win establishes a new precedent for female professionals in a field traditionally dominated by men.

The Triple Crown Path

As the winner of the Kentucky Derby, Golden Tempo has now positioned itself as a primary contender for the Triple Crown. To secure the title, a horse must win three specific races in succession: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.

The victory on May 2, 2026, serves as the necessary first step in this sequence. The focus now shifts to the subsequent legs of the series, where DeVaux and Golden Tempo will attempt to maintain their momentum.

The Triple Crown remains one of the most difficult feats in athletics due to the short turnaround time between the races and the physical toll on the horses.

Industry observers note that the win is not only a personal achievement for DeVaux but a landmark moment for the professionalization and inclusivity of horse training at the highest level of competition.