Cherie DeVaux, a prominent American Thoroughbred horse trainer, made history Saturday as the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. She saddled Golden Tempo to victory in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Who is Cherie DeVaux?
Born on December 2, 1981, in Saratoga Springs, New York, DeVaux grew up in a horse racing family with roots in harness racing. Her family later moved to Florida before returning to the Saratoga area. Her father, Butch DeVaux, was involved in training, and her brother, Jimmy DeVaux, is also a trainer and driver.
Cherie DeVaux initially pursued pre-med studies in college before shifting her focus to horse racing. DeVaux began her career working in stable roles such as a hot walker and exercise rider before advancing into training operations.
She later worked as an assistant for trainers Chuck Simon and Chad Brown for several years, gaining experience with high-level horses including multiple graded stakes runners.
DeVaux launched her own training operation in 2018. Her first career win came in 2019 at Gulfstream Park with Traveling. Since then, she has built a successful stable based primarily in Kentucky, with horses competing at major tracks including Churchill Downs and Keeneland.
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Career highlights
DeVaux has recorded hundreds of wins and tens of millions of dollars in earnings, and has trained multiple graded stakes winners. Her major successes include Grade 1-level victories such as the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Mile with More Than Looks, along with standout horses like She Feels Pretty and Vahva.
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Family
She is married to bloodstock agent David Ingordo, a well-known figure in the racing industry who has been involved in the acquisition of top-level horses. The couple works closely within the industry and has also collaborated on racing and ownership ventures.
Reagan Ingordo, the daughter of David Ingordo from a previous relationship, is Cherie DeVaux’s stepdaughter. DeVaux and Ingordo have included her in their racing and ownership ventures, including naming horses in her honor, such as Reagan’s Honor. A passionate horse enthusiast, Reagan has also been involved in aspects of ownership and sales within the racing industry.
Cherie DeVaux’s younger sister Adrianne began training in September 2024. She worked for Cherie for four years.
