India, May 3 -- Cherie DeVaux, a prominent American Thoroughbred horse trainer, made history Saturday as the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. She saddled Golden Tempo to victory in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Born on December 2, 1981, in Saratoga Springs, New York, DeVaux grew up in a horse racing family with roots in harness racing. Her family later moved to Florida before returning to the Saratoga area. Her father, Butch DeVaux, was involved in training, and her brother, Jimmy DeVaux, is also a trainer and driver.

She initially pursued pre-med studies in college before shifting her focus to horse racing. DeVaux began her career working in stable roles such as a hot walker and exercise rider...