On a sun-drenched Saturday in May 2026, the annals of horse racing were forever rewritten. Cherie DeVaux, a 44-year-old trainer from Saratoga Springs, became the first woman to saddle a Kentucky Derby winner, as her 23‑1 longshot Golden Tempo staged a breathtaking rally to capture the 152nd “Run for the Roses” at Churchill Downs. The historic victory instantly catapulted DeVaux from respected stable operator to a national sensation, sparking immediate public curiosity about the financial rewards she has amassed during her meteoric rise.
It is this pressing question—“What is Cherie DeVaux’s net worth in 2026?”—that this article addresses. While a precise, verified net worth is not publicly declared, a meticulous examination of her career earnings, ongoing stable revenue, and the historic Kentucky Derby purse can paint a detailed portrait of her financial standing in this milestone year.
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From Assistant to History Maker
DeVaux did not spring from obscurity. Her path was one of steady, calculated ascension. After spending over a decade as an assistant to celebrated trainers Chuck Simon and Chad Brown, she launched her own stable in 2018. Initially a modest operation, DeVaux’s barn has grown into a financial powerhouse.
In 2024, her stable brought in a staggering $10.2 million as she began securing victories in elite Grade 1 races. She then added another $2.1 million in earnings through the spring of 2026. According to official Equibase data, DeVaux has recorded more than 1,800 starts, securing 297 wins and accumulating over $32.9 million in total career prize money for the horses she trains.
WATCH: Video of Cherie DeVaux, trainer of Golden Tempo, shows her reaction to winning the Kentucky Derby pic.twitter.com/CLQ8C9rdkE
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 3, 2026
This sum, however, is prize money earned by her horses, not her personal net worth. Trainers typically receive a daily training fee and a percentage—often around 10%—of the purse money from stakes victories. Her historic Derby win added an immediate $310,000 to her personal earnings, representing her cut of the $3.1 million winner’s payout. Add this to the 10% she likely earned from a $10.2 million stable season (approximately $1 million), and the raw commission-based income is substantial.
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Assessing Her Financial Worth
So, where does this leave her estimated net worth in 2026? The figure is not officially published, but financial analysts and racing insiders offer reasoned speculation. Given her total career purse commissions (roughly $3–$5 million based on lifetime earnings), plus ancillary income from stable fees and bonuses, a conservative estimate places DeVaux’s personal wealth in the range of $15 million to $25 million.
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This figure is bolstered by her family’s deep industry ties. Her husband, bloodstock agent David Ingordo, works alongside her, and they have collaborated on ownership ventures. She also has a stake in a growing bloodstock network. The historic Derby triumph will only accelerate her financial trajectory. Endorsement deals, speaking engagements, and a surge in owners seeking her services are already underway, meaning her net worth is likely to climb significantly in the years immediately following this signature win. For now, Cherie DeVaux stands not only as a pioneer but also as a multimillionaire whose true value is only just beginning to be realized.
