In a shocking turn of events, Golden Tempo, the 23-1 long shot, has emerged victorious in the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The win marked a historic moment for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the first woman to train the winner of the opening leg of the Triple Crown.
The crowd at Churchill Downs was electric as the starting gate burst open, and Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Carlos Rodriguez, quickly took control of the race. As the field began to thin out, Golden Tempo’s lead grew, and by the final stretch, it was clear that this underdog had a chance to pull off the impossible.
Cherie DeVaux, 42, a native of Kentucky, has been training for years but never expected to reach this milestone. Her journey to becoming the first female trainer of a Triple Crown winner began when she started her own stable in Lexington, Kentucky, and gradually built up a team of talented horses.
Golden Tempo, also known as “Goldie,” is a 3-year-old colt by Tapit out of the mare Charming Belle, who was bred by DeVaux’s husband. The horse had been making waves on the small stakes circuit, but no one expected it to run in the Kentucky Derby.
“I’m over the moon,” DeVaux exclaimed in an emotional interview after the race. “This is a dream come true for me and my entire team. We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and I couldn’t be prouder of Golden Tempo and Carlos.”
DeVaux’s achievement has sent shockwaves throughout the racing community, with many hailing her as a trailblazer and inspiration to young women looking to pursue careers in horse racing.
“This is a testament to Cherie’s dedication, hard work, and passion for horse racing,” said Tom Meogheny, CEO of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. “She has proven that with determination and talent, anything is possible, even for women in male-dominated fields.”
Golden Tempo, who finished 8 lengths behind second-place finisher Sudden Impact, will now move on to the Preakness Stakes, where a victory would cement DeVaux’s place in history as the first woman to train a Triple Crown winner.
As Golden Tempo’s connections celebrated their historic win, they couldn’t help but think about the journey that had brought them here. From small stakes racing to the Kentucky Derby, it was a path filled with twists and turns, but one that ultimately led to this moment of glory.
For Cherie DeVaux, this victory is not just about her own achievement but also about paving the way for future generations of women in horse racing.
“Today, I’m not just celebrating my win,” she said. “I’m celebrating all the women who have come before me and paved the way for me to be here today. This is a momentous day, not just for me but for every woman who has ever dreamed of becoming a successful trainer.”
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