DeVaux secures historic dual Triple Crown victories with Golden Tempo

Cherie DeVaux has become the first female trainer to win both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes in the same calendar year, securing a historic double with the horse Golden Tempo. The victories, achieved on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs and in June 2026 respectively, place DeVaux in the record books and highlight the growing prominence of women in Thoroughbred racing management.

Golden Tempo, a son of Curlin and grandson of Bernardini, entered the Kentucky Derby as a 23-to-1 longshot before defeating the field. Jockey Jose Ortiz, who has ridden the horse in all six of its career starts, guided the colt to victory. The pair repeated their success five weeks later at the Belmont Stakes, where Golden Tempo started as a 6-to-1 favourite. DeVaux described the Belmont victory as "vindication" for the team, noting that the horse had developed significantly since the Derby.

The achievement follows a long history of female participation in the sport’s most prestigious events. Nineteen female trainers have sent horses to the starting gates in the Kentucky Derby up to 2026, with the previous best finish for a female trainer being second place, achieved by Shelly Riley in 1992. DeVaux, who obtained her trainer’s license in 2018, stated that her primary objective is to be recognised as one of the best trainers in the sport, rather than being defined solely by her gender.

DeVaux’s career has progressed from working as a hotwalker and assistant to trainers such as Chuck Simon and Chad Brown to establishing her own stable. She has recorded just over 300 career wins, including 30 stakes victories, with previous highlights including a Breeders’ Cup Mile win in 2024 with More Than Looks. Golden Tempo has now won four of his six career starts, earning $4,633,000 in prize money.

The ownership of Golden Tempo involves the Phipps family and St. Elias Stables, groups DeVaux credited for their patience and cooperation in developing the horse. With the next major target being the Travers Stakes on August 29 at Saratoga, DeVaux remains focused on maintaining the momentum of a stable that has recently captured national attention.