{"id":50600,"date":"2026-05-04T10:55:03","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T14:55:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/?p=50600"},"modified":"2026-05-04T10:55:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T14:55:03","slug":"gotta-have-faith-cherie-devauxs-derby-triumph-marks-historic-win-fueled-by-grit-and-god-given-confidence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/2026\/05\/gotta-have-faith-cherie-devauxs-derby-triumph-marks-historic-win-fueled-by-grit-and-god-given-confidence.html","title":{"rendered":"‘Gotta Have Faith’: Cherie DeVaux’s Derby Triumph Marks Historic Win Fueled by Grit and God-Given Confidence"},"content":{"rendered":"
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@NBCSports \/ X | Inset: WDRB News Official \/ YouTube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a sport built on precision, patience, and perseverance, one moment at Churchill Downs captured something deeper\u2014faith 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.<\/p>\n

But for DeVaux, the victory wasn’t just about strategy or timing. It was about trust\u2014trust in the process, trust in her team, and above all, faith.<\/p>\n

“We just have to have faith in the process, faith in the horse and faith in Jos\u00e9. Lot of faith. Gotta have faith,” she said after the race, reflecting on the bold strategy that led to the win.<\/p>\n

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 Jos\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2026 he had the faith in me that I didn’t see,” she recalled.<\/p>\n

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\u2014regardless of gender.<\/p>\n

“The racetrack’s a tough place\u2026 It’s a tough place if you’re a man, it’s a tough place if you’re a woman,” she said.<\/p>\n

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.”<\/p>\n

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FROM LAST PLACE TO KENTUCKY DERBY GLORY, WHAT A RACE FOR GOLDEN TEMPO! ?<\/p>\n

? The 152nd Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com\/yUIczKx4SX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 2, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n