All Cherie DeVaux wanted to do was win the Kentucky Derby. Making history? She’s just glad that part is over
All Cherie DeVaux wanted to do was – Cherie DeVaux’s path to victory began long before the term “vision boards” entered the cultural lexicon. In the early days of her journey, she relied on handwritten notes to track her aspirations, a method that suited her self-described Type A nature. Whether it was about sports, academics, or personal milestones, every goal was meticulously documented. Her mother, Janet, often expressed concern about the ambitiousness of these lists, but DeVaux’s response was always the same. “OK, mom. Tell me what else I can’t do,” she’d say with a mix of defiance and determination. As she recounts the story to CNN Sports during a Zoom interview, she pauses mid-sentence, her eyes widening with a mix of nostalgia and revelation. “Wait,” she exclaims. “You just reminded me.” With a quick motion, she retrieves a black folder beneath her seat, pulling out a crumpled sheet of paper. Flipping it toward the camera, she beams with the pride of a child showcasing a cherished treasure. “My first vision board ever,” she explains, describing how she launched her updated to-do list on January 1 using a Canva account. The first item on that board was a simple image: the garland of roses awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner.
The Vision Board That Spurred a Historic Win
DeVaux’s vision board was more than a creative project—it was a blueprint for success. Among the goals she listed were preparing Golden Tempo, her horse, for the 152nd running of the Derby. The task seemed daunting, but her focus remained singular. “I made that vision board before the LeComte,” she says, referring to the first stakes race Golden Tempo won on its way to the Derby. “Do I believe in that stuff? I do now.” Four months and one day after the Derby, the event’s legacy was still fresh in her mind as she and her family walked through the mud of Churchill Downs, carrying single roses from the blanket draped over the champion. The moment was surreal, a culmination of years of effort, patience, and belief in her ability to break through barriers in a sport long dominated by men.
The Kentucky Derby’s history stretches back over a century, surviving two World Wars, the Prohibition era, torrential downpours, and even the challenges of a global pandemic. Despite its storied past, no female jockey or trainer had ever claimed victory until DeVaux shattered the glass ceiling. Her achievement was not just a personal triumph but a historic milestone, redefining the narrative of a tradition steeped in male influence. “I’m just glad I don’t have to answer that question anymore,” she quips after the race, reflecting on the attention her gender has drawn. The media’s fascination with the “first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby” has been both a blessing and a reminder of the hurdles she overcame.
A Pivotal Moment in Racing History
While the Derby victory was the ultimate goal, DeVaux’s journey was shaped by a desire to prove herself in a field where women were rarely acknowledged. “I always wanted to focus on my career,” she says. “Using my gender as part of the conversation never really crossed my mind.” At the time of her vision board’s creation, her ambition was clear: to win the race, not to make a statement. Yet, as the world celebrated her success, the significance of her role became impossible to ignore. The Derby, with its long-running tradition, had always been a symbol of male dominance, but DeVaux’s triumph opened the door for a new chapter.
DeVaux’s win has been a catalyst for broader conversations about gender and equality in horse racing. She acknowledges the importance of her accomplishment, especially for young girls who now have a role model to look up to. However, she also emphasizes that she doesn’t want to be defined solely by her identity as a woman. “I want actual equality,” she says. “Measured on merit, ranked by the same standards as any man.” Her vision was not about being the first female trainer to win but about demonstrating that talent and skill alone are enough to achieve greatness. “It’s not about the ponytail,” she adds, “it’s about how I train my horses.”
Despite her focus on performance, the weight of history has not been lost on her. The Derby’s legacy is etched in its name, a title that has been held by men for generations. For DeVaux, this moment was a turning point, one that challenges the old-boy network and redefines the possibilities for women in the sport. “There’s a fine line between not taking anyone’s crap and figuring out what’s truly offensive,” she notes, reflecting on the balance between resilience and recognition. Even in a male-dominated field, she acknowledges that visibility is inevitable. “You can’t help but stand out,” she says, “in a very masculine crowd.”
Following her win, DeVaux’s schedule has been anything but normal. The days that once allowed for afternoon naps are now filled with interviews, media appearances, and the excitement of a new chapter. Pat McAfee, Dan Patrick, and the Today Show have all highlighted her story, while the Yankees invited her to throw out the first pitch. This whirlwind of attention has made her week one of relentless activity, but she embraces it with the same enthusiasm that fueled her journey. “It’s a blessing,” she says, “to be part of something that people will remember.”
DeVaux’s success is a testament to her perseverance and the systemic changes that have been slowly taking root. The Kentucky Derby, as the longest-running continuous sporting event in the U.S., has long been a microcosm of broader societal norms. Yet, its history is now being rewritten. Three fillies have crossed the finish line first, but until DeVaux’s victory, no woman had ever claimed the title of champion trainer. Her win has not only marked a personal milestone but has also sparked a dialogue about the future of the sport. “It’s not just about me,” she says. “It’s about what comes next.”
As the Preakness Stakes looms next week, the focus will shift to the next challenge. Golden Tempo, the Derby winner, will not compete in the upcoming race, leaving DeVaux to ponder what the future holds. While the media may continue to highlight her historic achievement, she remains grounded in her passion for the sport. “I just wanted to win the race,” she repeats, her tone steady and resolute. For her, the victory was never about the title itself but about the journey and the possibility of breaking through. “I made that vision board before the LeComte,” she says again, this time with a hint of pride. “And now, it’s all coming together.”
The Legacy of a New Era
The Derby’s legacy is now intertwined with DeVaux’s name, a symbol of progress in a sport that has long resisted change. Her story is not just about a horse’s victory but about the transformation of a system that once excluded women. Yet, for all the attention she receives, DeVaux remains focused on the next step. “I don’t want to be put in a separate pile,” she says, “given platitudes just because I’m a woman.” Her ambition is to ensure that the next generation of trainers, regardless of gender, can compete on equal footing. “I want the same opportunities,” she explains, “without having to prove I’m the exception.”
Even as the world celebrates her achievement, DeVaux is acutely aware of the work that remains. The Derby’s history is rich, but its future is still being shaped. She knows that her win is a stepping stone, not the final destination. “This is just the beginning,” she says, her voice carrying the weight of both triumph and responsibility. For those who have followed her journey, the story is more than one of personal success—it’s a narrative of resilience, determination, and the power of belief. As she looks ahead, the roses from the Derby will serve as a reminder of the moment she turned the page on history. “I’m glad the part about making history is over,” she says with a smile. “Now, it’s just about winning the next race.”
