Former Englewood resident Cherie DeVaux makes history as first woman trainer to win Kentucky Derby

ENGLEWOOD, Fla. —

Cherie DeVaux made history yesterday by becoming the first woman trainer to win the Kentucky Derby in its 152-year history, with her horse Golden Tempo pulling off a stunning victory.

DeVaux reflected on the achievement, saying, "Yeah it's a lot to absorb, but, it's been great."

Golden Tempo entered the race as a 23-1 long shot and surged from the back of the pack to the front under jockey Jose Ortiz's guidance.

"This was my first Kentucky Derby, to participate and I kind of joked that I was going to be a one and done if we won, but I'm probably doing it again and that was kind of fun," DeVaux said.

DeVaux shared her feelings during the moments leading up to the historic win. "I was not nervous. So I really got to experience the joy and, you know, when Jose started making his run, I had a feeling he was going to get there. It was so exciting," she said.

Before her Kentucky Derby success, DeVaux lived in Englewood, Florida, attended Lemon Bay High School and FGCU and trained at local horse ranches.

Mike Lowery, owner of Horse Power Ranch, recalled meeting DeVaux nine years ago and expressed pride in her accomplishment.

"Very proud that she came from Englewood and makes Englewood look even more prouder than it already is of somebody like that. And extremely talented and gifted woman and everybody should be so proud of her for her success and her accomplishments," Lowery said.

DeVaux offered advice to others pursuing their dreams.

"I started as a hot walker, which is the very entry-level position on the racetrack. But I worked hard and, just kind of kept going and I tell people, it took me almost a year to win my first race, and here we are," she said.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.