Cherie DeVaux made history on Saturday by becoming the first woman to train a winner of the Kentucky Derby, as her horse Golden Tempo surged from behind to clinch the victory at Churchill Downs. This marks DeVaux as only the second female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci’s success with Arcangelo at the 2023 Belmont Stakes. Golden Tempo, ridden by Jose Ortiz, won the 1 1/4-mile race in a time of 2:02.27 at odds of 23-1, overtaking the favorite, Renegade, just before the finish line. The win comes with a significant purse, awarding $3.1 million to the winner out of a total $5 million Derby purse. DeVaux, who started her own stable eight years ago, expressed her joy and acknowledged her role as a trailblazer for women in racing.
Why It Matters
Cherie DeVaux’s victory as the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby is significant in the context of gender representation in horse racing, a sport traditionally dominated by men. Only 18 women have saddled horses in the Kentucky Derby’s history, highlighting the challenges female trainers face in a male-centric industry. This achievement not only breaks barriers but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aspiring to enter the field. The Kentucky Derby itself is the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown, which has a storied history dating back to its inception in 1875, emphasizing the importance of this milestone in the broader narrative of the sport.
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