Cherie DeVaux made history by becoming the first woman to train the winner of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, as Golden Tempo surged from the back of the pack to finish first at Churchill Downs. DeVaux’s victory marks her as only the second female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, following Jena Antonucci’s win in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. Ridden by Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo crossed the finish line in a time of 2:02.27 at 23-1 odds, narrowly beating favorite Renegade, who finished second, and long shot Ocelli in third. DeVaux expressed her joy and emphasized her role as a representative for women in the sport, stating her happiness for Golden Tempo’s achievement. This race took place in front of over 100,000 spectators, despite the late scratches of several horses from the field.
Why It Matters
DeVaux’s historic win at the Kentucky Derby highlights the increasing presence of women in a traditionally male-dominated sport. She is only the 18th woman to ever saddle a horse in the Derby, reflecting the gradual yet significant changes in horse racing dynamics. The Kentucky Derby, a premier event since 1875, has seen only a few women trainers achieve success at this level, making DeVaux’s accomplishment a milestone for gender representation in horse racing. The event continues to draw massive crowds and generate substantial interest, reinforcing its status as one of the most significant horse racing events worldwide.
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