In a sport built on precision, patience, and perseverance, one moment at Churchill Downs captured something deeper—faith in action. Trainer Cherie DeVaux stunned the horse racing world with a dramatic, come-from-behind victory at the Kentucky Derby, as her long-shot horse, Golden Tempo, surged from last place to first in one of the most unforgettable finishes in recent history.

But for DeVaux, the victory wasn’t just about strategy or timing. It was about trust—trust in the process, trust in her team, and above all, faith.

“We just have to have faith in the process, faith in the horse and faith in José. Lot of faith. Gotta have faith,” she said after the race, reflecting on the bold strategy that led to the win.

Golden Tempo, a 24-1 underdog, trailed the field for most of the race before unleashing a breathtaking final sprint down the stretch. Guided by jockey José Ortiz, the horse weaved through competitors and surged ahead in the final seconds, winning by a narrow margin. The electrifying finish not only secured a place in Derby history but also marked a milestone moment for women in the sport.

Before the race, DeVaux shared a symbolic walk with NBC commentator Donna Brothers, who was covering her final Derby broadcast. In a heartfelt exchange, DeVaux honored the trailblazers who came before her. “Women like you are what made it easy for me,” she told Brothers, a moment that now feels like a passing of the torch.

DeVaux’s journey to this stage wasn’t a straight path. Though she comes from a family deeply rooted in horse racing, she initially planned to pursue medicine. It wasn’t until a part-time job walking horses during college that her direction began to shift. What started as a simple opportunity soon became a calling.

After years of learning the craft under respected trainers and navigating the demanding world of thoroughbred racing, DeVaux reached a pivotal moment in 2017. Encouraged by her husband, she took a leap of faith and committed fully to training. “He told me I owed it to myself to at least try… he had the faith in me that I didn’t see,” she recalled.

That decision paid off. Since earning her trainer’s license in 2018, DeVaux has built a successful career, amassing millions in earnings. Yet she remains grounded, emphasizing that the journey has always required resilience—regardless of gender.

“The racetrack’s a tough place… It’s a tough place if you’re a man, it’s a tough place if you’re a woman,” she said.

When Golden Tempo crossed the finish line, DeVaux was overwhelmed, embracing her team and family in a moment of pure joy. Later, she reflected on the broader significance of the win. “I’m glad that I could be a representative of all women everywhere, that we can do anything we set our minds to.”

FROM LAST PLACE TO KENTUCKY DERBY GLORY, WHAT A RACE FOR GOLDEN TEMPO! ?

? The 152nd Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/yUIczKx4SX

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 2, 2026

Her story is a reminder that God can redirect paths in unexpected ways—and that faith, paired with perseverance, can lead to extraordinary outcomes. From a pre-med student unsure of her future to a history-making Derby champion, DeVaux’s journey speaks to the power of trusting God’s plan, even when the path isn’t clear.

In the end, her victory wasn’t just about crossing a finish line. It was about stepping into a purpose shaped by faith—and proving that with belief, hard work, and courage, even the longest odds can be overcome.