Cherie DeVaux made history at the 152nd Kentucky Derby, becoming the first female trainer to win the first leg of the Triple Crown with Golden Tempo.
DeVaux, 44, says while she never made her gender part of her identity, breaking that barrier was a goal. "It was the one thing as a female I wanted to do," she told Fox News Digital. "There are 151 runnings with all men and then it's me."
She hopes the conversation can now move on. "Thank God I don't have to answer that question anymore," she joked after the race.
Golden Tempo was a 23-1 long shot, known as a deep closer who comes from behind. DeVaux trusted his stamina, having closed strong in the Louisiana Derby. As he surged from the back and took the lead, DeVaux said she "blacked out the last part" in disbelief.
The win has been overwhelming, but DeVaux is getting back to training the rest of her stable. She says being a role model is an honor: "If that can inspire somebody else, it's a bonus on top."
Golden Tempo skipped the Preakness Stakes to focus on long-term health, ending the Triple Crown bid.