TIME Magazine Honors Saratoga’s Cherie DeVaux After Historic Derby Win

The Queen of Horseracing

What a year it's been for Saratoga Springs native Cherie DeVaux. The groundbreaking horse trainer has been named to TIME Magazine's first-ever TIME100 Sports list, recognizing the 100 most influential people shaping sports worldwide.

The honor comes on the heels of DeVaux's historic 2026 season.

In May, she became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby when Golden Tempo shocked the racing world as a 23-to-1 long shot. The victory instantly became one of the most memorable moments in recent racing history.

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DeVaux finds herself in elite company. The list includes global icons such as LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Shohei Ohtani, Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, Rory McIlroy, Victor Wembanyama, and Michael Jordan, among many others.

C'mon Jose, C'mon Jose!!

Many sports fans will remember the now-viral video of DeVaux frantically cheering from the stands as Golden Tempo made its charge down the stretch.

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"Come on, Jose! Come on, Jose!" she shouted repeatedly, urging jockey Jose Ortiz toward the finish line before erupting into disbelief as the horse crossed first.

Trailblazer

TIME highlighted the emotional moment and DeVaux's trailblazing achievement, noting her role as a powerful representative for women in sports.

As if the Derby wasn't enough, Golden Tempo followed it up with another major victory at the Belmont Stakes, further cementing DeVaux's place among the biggest names in sports today.