Who Is Cherie DeVaux? The Kentucky Derby Winning Trainer Is Also a Stepmom

Golden Tempo just won the 152nd Kentucky Derby, and even though the horse entered the race with 23-1 odds, the three-year-old colt isn’t the one who stole the spotlight. Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to have a horse finish first at the iconic event, and everyone wants to know more about her.

Who Is Cherie DeVaux?

Born in Saratoga Springs, New York, the 44-year-old has a long history when it comes to racing. But that doesn’t mean the trainer has always worked with horses. DeVaux studied pre-med in college, but never pursued a career as a doctor. Instead, she went to work as a trainer for Chuck Simona in Saratoga. 

She later became an assistant to trainer Chad Brown, where she spent eight years honing her skills. In 2018, DeVaux got her trainer’s license. 

Now that Cherie has a Derby win under her belt, she is officially the first female trainer to accomplish this major career goal. Churchill Downs posted a quick clip of DeVaux following Golden Tempo’s win. Fans took to Instagram, congratulated the trainer with comments such as, “I’m not crying, you’re crying,” “What a magical moment, history made! Congrats, very well deserved,” and “Forever part of Derby history.” 

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Who Is Cherie DeVaux’s Sister?

Like sister, like sister. At least, in this family. Cherie’s sister, Adrianne DeVaux, is also a trainer. She worked as Cherie’s assistant from 2020 to 2024 and is now stepping out on her own. The 26-year-old is married to retired horse trainer Rodrigo Ubillo and has a stepdaughter, Georgi. 

Who Are Cherie DeVaux’s Parents?

Cherie’s family is deeply involved in the racing industry. Her father, Butch DeVaux, worked in Standardbred (harness) racing. DeVaux (Cherie, that is) told Horse Racing Nation in 2023, “When I was younger than Adrianne (is now), they had gotten out of harness racing. I really grew up on the backside with a pretty large stable of theirs. When they got out and moved to Florida, that’s when I started into more fun riding.” 

Does Cherie Devaux Have Children?

The suddenly-world-famous trainer is married to Thoroughbred bloodstock agent David Ingordo. DeVaux has one stepdaughter, Reagan Ingordo. In a sweetly sentimental stepmom gesture, the trainer has named several horses after Ingordo, including four-year-old Reagan’s Honor. 

In an Instagram video posted by America’s Best Racing, Reagan opened up about her ‘Honor’, saying, “The horse is kind of like my namesake. I see the horse all the time. In training and at the barn when I go in the mornings. And I get to pet him and give him peppermints and all that fun stuff. 

And of course, this is a special win for the whole family! Following the Kentucky Derby win, during a post-event interview,  Reagan told her stepmother, “I’m proud of you, I really am.”