After becoming the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, Cherie DeVaux celebrated at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. She described the celebration as being with “many that I know and many that I don’t”.
DeVaux was greeted by the media at her Barn 37 on the Churchill Downs backside the morning after the race. They were there to see DeVaux and Golden Tempo, who won Saturday’s 152nd Run for the Roses.
DeVaux said she received more than 800 messages via text and social media.
Golden Tempo’s Derby Victory
Golden Tempo, a 23-1 long shot, rallied from last place to beat Renegade by a neck in Saturday’s race. Jockey Jose Ortiz guided Golden Tempo from the No. 16 post position toward the rail, saving ground and keeping an eye on morning-line favourite Renegade.
Still in last entering the final turn, Ortiz began to pick off horses. He raced down the stretch in the middle of the track and caught Renegade in the final strides to win by a neck.
DeVaux said, “Golden Tempo doesn’t really give Jose any help by just falling back so far. Jose gets all the credit for the win. He got him in position around the turn and pushed him out and got a clear path.”
Preakness Stakes Possibility
Golden Tempo was slated to ship back to Keeneland. DeVaux was set to fly to New York for a TV morning show appearance.
The Preakness is set for May 16 at Laurel Park. The Preakness draw is set for Monday, May 11.
The biggest question DeVaux now faces is whether she will pursue the Triple Crown.
DeVaux’s decision will come in the middle of debate about whether the period between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness should be stretched to three or four weeks.
Two of the past four Kentucky Derby winners — Rich Strike in 2022 and Sovereignty in 2025 — skipped the Preakness, as trainers have become more wary about running horses back two weeks after such a strenuous race.
DeVaux’s Considerations for the Triple Crown
DeVaux said, “We’ll assess how he’s doing. As long as he’s in tip-top shape, we’ll talk about (the Preakness), and it is on the table. But it’s really up to (the horse). … He’s a horse that has a lot of constitution to him, so he can handle something like that. But if one day he just doesn’t look like he’s in tip-top shape, we’ll pivot and come up with another plan.”
“The Triple Crown is hard to win for a reason,” DeVaux said. “I appreciate the history of it. Horses are definitely different. They’re not built the same. They’re not trained the same as back then. But current times have shown that it can be done with the right horse.”
DeVaux said, “I can’t wait to go home and get back to my normal routine. I guess I’m going to have to take a little detour.”
Whether Golden Tempo is that horse remains to be seen, but he was plenty good enough Saturday night.