Updated: May 3, 2026
Cherie DeVaux has captured the hearts of racing fans worldwide. As the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby with her long-shot Golden Tempo in 2026, she made history in the sport’s most iconic race. While her professional achievements dominate headlines, many wonder about the personal beliefs that fuel her remarkable journey—from pre-med student to trailblazing trainer.
Her story blends perseverance, family legacy, and a deep sense of faith—not always in a strictly doctrinal sense, but as unwavering belief in hard work, opportunity, and the horses she loves.
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Who Is Cherie DeVaux? A Quick Rise to Racing Stardom
Born on December 2, 1981, in Saratoga Springs, New York, Cherie grew up immersed in the harness racing world. Her family boasts a rich legacy: her father Butch trained horses for decades, and her brother Jimmy has driven and trained over 5,000 winners.
Despite this background, Cherie initially charted a different course. She studied pre-med in college, eyeing a career as a doctor. A summer job hot-walking horses at the track changed everything. She pivoted fully into Thoroughbred racing, working as a stable hand before rising through the ranks as an assistant to top trainers Chuck Simon and Chad Brown. She launched her own stable in 2018.
Today, based primarily in Kentucky, DeVaux oversees around 120 horses with a hands-on philosophy. Her career earnings exceed $32 million, with multiple Grade 1 victories, including a Breeders’ Cup win. Golden Tempo’s thrilling 2026 Derby upset at 23-1 odds cemented her place in history as the first woman to train a Derby winner.
The Role of Faith in Cherie DeVaux’s Journey
“Faith” appears repeatedly in coverage of DeVaux’s success—not as formal religious doctrine, but as trust in the process, her team, her horses, and herself. She has spoken openly about operating on faith during key career crossroads.
- Leap of Faith in Career Change: While studying pre-med, DeVaux took a chance on the racetrack. Family support and her own belief in a new path helped her transition.
- Support from Loved Ones: Her husband, bloodstock agent David Ingordo, encouraged her to start her stable, believing in her potential when she doubted herself. “He had the faith in me,” she has shared.
- Race Day Mindset: Before the Derby, DeVaux emphasized faith in Golden Tempo, jockey Jose Ortiz, and her preparation: “We just have to have faith in the process, faith in the horse and faith in Jose. Lot of faith. Gotta have faith.”
Her family’s racing heritage likely instilled values of resilience and community. While public details about specific church affiliation or religious practices remain private, DeVaux’s story reflects a grounded, practical faith rooted in action, gratitude, and perseverance—qualities many find inspiring across belief systems.
Key Milestones in Cherie DeVaux’s Career
Here’s a snapshot of her impressive trajectory:
| Milestone | Year/Details | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Born & Early Life | Dec 2, 1981, Saratoga Springs, NY | Family harness racing roots |
| Pre-Med to Horses | College pivot to hot-walker | Major career leap of faith |
| First Stable Launch | 2018 | Independent trainer debut |
| First Graded Stakes Win | 2021 (Gam’s Mission) | Building momentum |
| Breeders’ Cup Success | 2024 (More Than Looks – Mile) | Top-level validation |
| Kentucky Derby Win | 2026 (Golden Tempo) | First female trainer in 152 years |
| Current Stable | ~120 horses, Kentucky-based | Hands-on, quality-focused operation |
This table highlights steady growth fueled by dedication rather than overnight success.
What We Can Learn from Cherie DeVaux’s Approach
DeVaux’s path offers powerful lessons for anyone pursuing a dream:
- Embrace Pivots: Switching from medicine to horses shows it’s never too late to follow your passion.
- Build Strong Foundations: Years as an assistant taught her the business inside out.
- Stay Hands-On: She remains deeply involved with daily training, emphasizing individual horse care over rapid expansion.
- Value Team and Family: From her supportive husband to her Derby-traveling family in a white van, relationships provide strength.
- Cultivate Quiet Confidence: DeVaux downplays barriers while acknowledging her role as a trailblazer for young women in the sport.
Her success proves that grit paired with belief creates breakthroughs, even against long odds.
Conclusion: More Than a Trainer—A Story of Belief
Cherie DeVaux’s Kentucky Derby triumph transcends racing. It celebrates a woman who bet on herself, honored her family’s legacy, and trusted the journey. Whether her “faith” refers to spiritual conviction, confidence in preparation, or both, it has clearly guided her to historic heights.
As she continues breaking barriers, DeVaux inspires countless fans and aspiring trainers to dream bigger and work harder. In a sport defined by speed and uncertainty, her steady presence reminds us that true winners combine talent with heart, humility, and unwavering belief.
If you’re inspired by underdog stories and the power of perseverance, follow Cherie DeVaux’s journey. History shows she’s just getting started.