History was made at Churchill Downs on Saturday as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, guiding Golden Tempo to victory in the 152nd Run for the Roses. In a thrilling race featuring an 18-horse field, DeVaux's emotional celebration—clutching her nephew Maverick and embracing family trackside—marked a watershed moment for horse racing.

DeVaux's journey to the winner's circle began 22 years ago as an exercise rider under the late trainer Chuck Simon at Churchill Downs. Though Simon passed before seeing her claim the sport's ultimate prize, DeVaux dedicated the victory to his memory—and to every young girl who now sees a path forward in the sport. "By doing this, I am inspiring other young women," DeVaux said, tears in her eyes. "Women—young, old, whatever age—can look up to me and say, 'If she can do it, I can do it.'"

The win didn't come without challenges. Six horses scratched between the post draw and post time, including notable contenders Silent Tactic, Right to Party, and Corona de Oro. Trainer Brad Cox also lost a third contender, Fulleffort, earlier in the week. But DeVaux remained confident in her deep closer, Golden Tempo, who was considered more of a "maybe he can win" contender than a true favorite. "With all the speed in the race, a closer like Golden Tempo had a real chance," she explained earlier in the week, and her strategy paid off perfectly.

DeVaux, known for her no-nonsense attitude—her Derby week hat read "I'm not for everybody"—doesn't define herself solely by her gender. But she fully understands the magnitude of her accomplishment. "I don't center my entire personality around being a female trainer," she said. "But I am proud of what this means." For now, the only adjective that matters is "winner," and DeVaux and Golden Tempo have secured their place in Derby history.