Cherie DeVaux, Trailblazer Award
Cherie DeVaux is a Kentucky-based Thoroughbred trainer who has rapidly emerged as one of the sport’s leading horsewomen. In 2026, she made history as the first woman to win the Kentucky Derby and later added a Belmont Stakes victory to her growing résumé. She also became the first female trainer to win multiple Grade 1 races on the same day.
A lifelong horsewoman raised in a family deeply rooted in the racing industry, DeVaux honed her craft under respected horsemen before launching her own stable. Known for her horsemanship, attention to detail, and individualized approach to each horse, she has developed a reputation for competing successfully at the highest levels of the sport while maintaining a strong commitment to horse welfare and aftercare.
From Grade 1 victories to classic triumphs, DeVaux Racing continues to establish itself as one of the premier stables in North America, built on a foundation of hard work, horsemanship, and an unwavering dedication to the Thoroughbred.
Ro is single and lives with her Terrier, Langston Hughes, in New York City.
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