Cherie DeVaux’s victory in the 2026 Kentucky Derby was a defining moment for the sport. When Golden Tempo surged home at 23-to-1 odds at Churchill Downs, DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Run for the Roses, earning her place among racing’s elite and marking a milestone achievement on the sport’s biggest stage. For West Point Thoroughbreds, her success reflects a continued commitment to placing horses in the care of world-class trainers capable of competing—and winning—at the highest level.
A Rapid Rise to the Top
Based in Kentucky with a strong presence in New York, Cherie DeVaux has built one of racing’s fastest-rising stables. Her trajectory has been defined by consistent success on racing’s biggest stages, beginning with her first Breeders’ Cup starter, Tarabi, who hit the board in the 2021 Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Del Mar. She followed that with a major breakthrough in 2024, capturing the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) with More Than Looks, and in 2025 she trained her first champion when She Feels Pretty earned the Eclipse Award as champion turf female. Now, with a Kentucky Derby victory, DeVaux has reached the pinnacle of the sport.
A Proven Fit for West Point Thoroughbreds
West Point Thoroughbreds has already celebrated top-level success with Cherie DeVaux, including training Grade 1 winner Vahva. Her ability to develop elite talent aligns seamlessly with West Point Thoroughbreds’ approach of identifying high-quality horses and placing them with trainers who consistently deliver results at the highest levels of competition. Her Derby triumph reinforces the strength of that approach and highlights the caliber of horsemen and horsewomen entrusted with West Point Thoroughbreds runners.
A Foundation for Success
Golden Tempo’s journey to the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle began well before arriving in Cherie DeVaux’s barn. The colt was broken and received early training at Eisaman Equine in Florida under Dr. Barry Eisaman, a program widely respected for developing young Thoroughbreds. Eisaman Equine also counts 2012 Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another among its distinquished alumni and plays a key role in preparing many West Point Thoroughbreds horses, including 2025 champion two-year-old filly Super Corredora. That continuity, from early development through top-level training, reflects the kind of foundation that helps position horses for success at the highest level and is a process West Point Thoroughbreds relies on to give horses every advantage from the very beginning.
A Background Built in Racing
A Saratoga-area native, DeVaux grew up immersed in racing, with a family deeply involved in harness racing. Although she initially pursued pre-med studies in college, her path ultimately led her back to the barn. She later played a key role in one of racing’s most inspiring stories, helping guide champion Lady Eli’s return to competition after a serious foot injury sidelined the filly for more than a year. That experience reflects the horsemanship, patience, and resilience that continue to define her training style today. DeVaux is married to bloodstock agent David Ingordo.
Part of an Elite Trainer Roster
Her success adds to an already accomplished group of trainers connected to West Point Thoroughbreds. The stable celebrated a Kentucky Derby victory in 2017 with Todd Pletcher and Always Dreaming and continues to campaign horses with Derby-winning trainers including Bill Mott, Brad Cox, and Shug McGaughey. With Cherie DeVaux now joining that group as a Derby-winning trainer, West Point Thoroughbreds continues to offer access to the sport’s most accomplished professionals.
An Unforgettable Morning at Churchill Downs
Moments like a Kentucky Derby victory highlight what makes Thoroughbred ownership so compelling. It is not only about competing on racing’s biggest stages, but also about the access and connection that come with it. Less than 24 hours after the 2026 Kentucky Derby, West Point Partners took part in an annual backstretch tour at Churchill Downs and had the opportunity to see Golden Tempo up close. What is typically a behind-the-scenes look at the Derby environment became something far more meaningful—an up-close experience with a newly crowned Derby winner trained by one of WPT’s own trainers. Experiences like these bring the sport to life in a way that few fans ever encounter and highlight the unique access that defines the West Point Thoroughbreds ownership experience.
Looking Ahead
Cherie DeVaux’s Kentucky Derby win is a historic milestone, but it also represents what lies ahead. West Point Thoroughbreds remains focused on developing talent, competing at the highest level, and creating opportunities for Partners to be part of racing’s biggest moments. The pipeline is already strong, with 34 horses currently under Cherie DeVaux’s care or soon to join her stable—many of them unraced two-year-olds representing the next generation of opportunity for West Point Partners.
