She Made History at the Derby, Now Cherie DeVaux Is Coming Home to Saratoga for the Belmont Stakes

Cherie DeVaux is returning home to Saratoga Springs, New York, and possibly making history as the first female trainer to win two of the three Triple Crown races. In May, DeVaux's Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby, and now the trainer may get another first-place finish at the Belmont Stakes with the three-year-old colt.

Is Cherie DeVaux the only woman to win a Triple Crown race?

While Devaux was the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby in 152 years, she isn't the only woman to make history during a Triple Crown race. In 1993, jockey Julie Krone won the Belmont Stakes riding Colonial Affair, and in 2023 trainer Jena Antonucci's horse Arcangelo also won the Belmont Stakes. This year, it looks like a woman could reach another racing milestone at Saratoga Race Course. That is, if Golden Tempo finishes in first place.

Cherie DeVaux on her sudden fame

DeVuax is far from a newcomer to the racing community. But her Kentucky Derby win propelled the trainer into the public spotlight. Even though she already had plenty of fans, DeVaux suddenly went from a well-respected pro in her field to a superstar with celebrity status.

Golden Tempo's trainer recently told Sports Illustrated(of her near-instant fame), "I don't really think I'm that big of a deal, so it's been very surreal." She continued, "Al Roker asked if he could have his picture with me. I was like, ‘Are you kidding me? You're asking me? Come on, man. You're the famous one. I just watch horses go around in a circle'."

When asked whether she thought Golden Tempo would win the Kentucky Derby, the trainer told Fox News, "We were very confident that he was going to run well. I would not allow myself to believe that we could actually win the race or what that would look like. So that was a very positive surprise. It was exciting, but it wasn't completely unexpected."

How does Cherie DeVaux feel about the Belmont Stakes?

The Kentucky Derby-winning trainer also talked to Fox News about pre-race jitters (on the day before the Belmont Stakes): "I don't know if nervous is the right adjective. I'd say anxious. Like I just kind of want to get tomorrow here. Get to the race. But try to enjoy it all in the meantime."

She continued, "I feel great about tomorrow", adding, "His best days are still very much in front of him."

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This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 2:01 PM.