Rising Star Trainer Cherie DeVaux Joins TDN Writers' Room Podcast

DeVaux discusses her Kentucky Derby hopefuls and the retirement of her first champion

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:19pm

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Cherie DeVaux, a rising star trainer, joined the TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland to discuss her Kentucky Derby contenders, Reagan's Honor and Golden Tempo, as well as the retirement of her first champion, She's Feels Pretty.

Why it matters

DeVaux is a relatively new trainer who could potentially have multiple horses in the Kentucky Derby, a rare feat for someone early in their career. Her insights on the challenges and excitement of preparing for the 'Run for the Roses' provide an inside look at the journey to the sport's biggest stage.

The details

DeVaux has two horses with a chance to make the Kentucky Derby field - Reagan's Honor, who is running in the Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, and Golden Tempo, a 'TDN Rising Star' who has already earned enough points. While Reagan's Honor has yet to run in a stakes race, DeVaux believes he has the talent to compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, DeVaux had to announce the retirement of her first champion, She's Feels Pretty, due to physical issues that would have limited her racing opportunities in 2026.

  • On Saturday, DeVaux will send out Reagan's Honor in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes.
  • Golden Tempo has already earned enough points to land a spot in the Kentucky Derby field.

The players

Cherie DeVaux

A rising star trainer who could potentially have multiple horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby, including Reagan's Honor and Golden Tempo.

Reagan's Honor

A horse trained by DeVaux who is running in the Grade I Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, with the potential to earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby.

Golden Tempo

A 'TDN Rising Star' trained by DeVaux who has already earned enough points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.

She's Feels Pretty

DeVaux's first champion, who has been retired due to physical issues that would have limited her racing opportunities in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“He has the talent. It's been because of his physical that we've given him some time. He was a bit light, but he's grown and he's trained forwardly. In each race that he has run in, he has made steps forward in his training and subsequently on the track. So I do think that it's in him to be a bit faster. But It looks like it's going to be a tough field and he's going to have to have to run another top race and then continue on if he does make it into the Derby.”

— Cherie DeVaux, Trainer

“The Derby is something that you dream about. I've always wanted to have a horse in the Derby starting gate and I hope for more opportunities in the future. I know that Reagan's Honor and Golden Tempo have to stay sound and healthy and happy. I want to bring the right horses to the Derby, horses that you know belong there.”

— Cherie DeVaux, Trainer

What’s next

If Reagan's Honor performs well in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, he could earn a spot in the 2026 Kentucky Derby field.

The takeaway

Cherie DeVaux's potential to have multiple horses in the Kentucky Derby at a relatively early stage of her training career highlights her talent and the promise of her stable. The retirement of her first champion, She's Feels Pretty, is a bittersweet moment, but it underscores the challenges and sacrifices trainers face in preparing horses for the sport's biggest events.