Time Magazine has named Cherie DeVaux one of “The 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026.”
DeVaux is the trainer for Golden Tempo, the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Golden Tempo entered the Derby with 23-1 odds and looked to be out of the race before it was even over, falling to dead last before making one of the best comebacks in Derby history.
As Golden Tempo crossed the finish line, DeVaux could be seen kicking her feet and jumping up and down. That moment made her the first female trainer in history to win the Kentucky Derby.
“I’m glad I can be a representative of all women, everywhere,” DeVaux said after the race. “We can do anything we set our minds to.”
DeVaux chose not to race Golden Tempo in the Preakness Stakes out of concern for his health, but the horse made another comeback to win the Belmont at Saratoga on June 6, winning in 2:03.49 by 1¼-length margin. DeVaux became the second female trainer to ever win at Belmont.
Following their win at the Belmont, DeVaux said that the possibility of winning the Triple Crown was not something she wanted to think about.
Reach sports trending writer Alaina Morris at amorris@gannett.com and follow her on X at @alainammorris.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Cherie DeVaux, trainer of Golden Tempo, named to Time 100 Sports list
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