Updated: May 3, 2026
In the thrilling world of Thoroughbred racing, few stories capture the heart like that of Cherie DeVaux. The Saratoga Springs native made history on May 2, 2026, becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner with her impressive colt Golden Tempo. While her professional achievements dominate headlines, her personal life reveals a deep commitment to family — especially the next generation.
Though Cherie has no biological children, she embraces her role as a loving stepmother in a large, horse-passionate clan. Her story shows how family bonds fuel success both on and off the track.
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Cherie DeVaux’s Blended Family Journey
Cherie DeVaux married bloodstock agent David Ingordo in April 2018. This union brought her into an instant family role as stepmother to David’s daughter, Reagan Ingordo. Far from a distant relationship, Cherie has fully integrated Reagan into the racing world in meaningful ways.
The couple has no biological children together, but their partnership thrives on shared passion for horses. Cherie often describes the joy of going from a highly career-focused trainer to sharing her life with David and Reagan. This blended family dynamic adds warmth to her high-pressure career.
Meet Reagan Ingordo: Cherie’s Beloved Stepdaughter
Reagan Ingordo stands at the center of Cherie’s family life. A passionate horse enthusiast herself, Reagan actively participates in ownership and sales within the industry. Cherie and David have honored her by naming several talented horses after her, including the promising Reagan’s Honor.
Key Highlights About Reagan:
- She inspires multiple stakes-caliber horses trained by Cherie.
- Reagan joined family celebrations, including at major races like the Kentucky Derby.
- Her involvement reflects the family’s tradition of including younger generations in the sport.
This gesture goes beyond naming rights — it symbolizes trust, love, and a shared future in racing. Reagan’s presence brings balance and joy to Cherie’s demanding schedule.
The Larger DeVaux Family: A Racing Dynasty
Cherie comes from a big family with deep roots in equine sports, primarily Standardbred (harness) racing. Her parents, Janet and Adrian “Butch” DeVaux, have 10 children from two marriages. This creates a vibrant, supportive network that rallied behind Cherie during her Derby triumph.
Siblings like Adrianne (her “sis-istant” trainer) and Kenneth played key roles. Nearly a dozen family members piled into a van and drove from New York to Louisville to cheer for Golden Tempo — a testament to their unbreakable bond.
| Family Member | Relation to Cherie | Role in Racing/Family |
|---|---|---|
| Reagan Ingordo | Stepdaughter | Horse enthusiast, namesake for multiple horses |
| David Ingordo | Husband | Prominent bloodstock agent |
| Adrianne DeVaux | Sister | Assistant trainer turned independent trainer |
| Kenneth DeVaux | Brother | Supportive family member at major races |
| Butch DeVaux | Father | Harness racing background |
| Jimmy DeVaux | Brother | Successful driver/trainer with 5,000+ wins |
| Georgi | Step-relation (via sister) | Occasional barn help |
This table highlights how racing runs through the family’s veins, creating opportunities for the younger members like Reagan.
How Family Inspires Cherie’s Training Success
Cherie’s approach to training reflects the values she learned growing up in a large family: resilience, teamwork, and patience. After years as an assistant to top trainers like Chad Brown, she launched her own stable in 2018. Her family’s support — from barn help to emotional encouragement — has been crucial.
Bulleted insights into her family-powered philosophy:
- Teamwork Across Generations: Including Reagan and siblings keeps operations dynamic and motivated.
- Work-Life Balance: Family road trips and celebrations prevent burnout in a grueling sport.
- Legacy Building: Naming horses after loved ones creates emotional investment in every runner.
- Breaking Barriers: As a trailblazing female trainer, Cherie credits her supportive network for helping her represent women everywhere.
Her story proves that behind every champion horse stands a champion family.
Conclusion: Family First in the Winner’s Circle
Cherie DeVaux’s journey from pre-med student to Kentucky Derby-winning trainer is extraordinary. Yet what truly stands out is her warm embrace of family — particularly her role as stepmother to Reagan and her place in the expansive DeVaux clan. In an industry known for intensity, Cherie shows that love, inclusion, and shared passion create the strongest foundation for success.
As she continues to make history, one thing remains clear: the real victories happen when family crosses the finish line together. Whether cheering from the stands or helping in the barn, the DeVaux children and extended loved ones remind us what makes racing — and life — truly rewarding.