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The 2026 Met Gala delivered no shortage of unforgettable fashion moments, but none captured the spotlight quite like the...
06/05/2026

The 2026 Met Gala delivered no shortage of unforgettable fashion moments, but none captured the spotlight quite like the stunning appearance of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. As they stepped onto the iconic red carpet, the atmosphere shifted instantly—cameras flashed nonstop, conversations paused, and all eyes locked onto a couple who effortlessly blended elegance, confidence, and undeniable chemistry. This wasn’t just another celebrity appearance; it was a statement.

Taylor Swift radiated timeless glamour in a breathtaking white gown that balanced classic sophistication with modern edge. The silhouette flowed gracefully, while a dramatic black velvet bow detail added contrast and depth, drawing attention to every movement she made. Her jewelry—layered, sparkling, and perfectly curated—framed her look with a sense of refined luxury. Standing beside her, Travis Kelce matched her presence with a bold yet polished ensemble. His all-black suit, styled with layered chains and subtle textures, gave off a confident, fashion-forward energy that complemented Swift’s look without overshadowing it.

What truly made their appearance unforgettable was the coordination. It wasn’t overly matched or forced—instead, it felt intentional and natural, like two distinct styles speaking the same language. Together, they created a visual harmony that elevated them beyond individual fashion statements into a unified red carpet moment. Their body language told its own story as well: relaxed yet connected, poised yet genuine. A hand placed at the waist, a shared glance, a subtle smile—these details added warmth to the high-fashion spectacle.

The Met Gala is known for pushing boundaries and celebrating creativity, and this duo delivered exactly that. Their looks didn’t just follow the theme—they redefined it, sparking instant reactions across social media and fashion circles. Within minutes, fans and critics alike were calling it one of the best couple appearances in recent Met Gala history.

Beyond the fashion, though, there was something deeper that resonated. It was the sense of confidence, partnership, and presence they brought together. In a night filled with stars, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce didn’t just walk the red carpet—they owned it, leaving behind a moment that will be talked about long after the lights fade.

Golden Tempo's win at Churchill Downs was the most-watched Kentucky Derby on recordRace averaged nearly 20 million viewe...
05/05/2026

Golden Tempo's win at Churchill Downs was the most-watched Kentucky Derby on record
Race averaged nearly 20 million viewers, and peaked at over 24 million during Golden Tempo's come-from-behind win

A historic number of people tuned in to watch Golden Tempo’s win at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

The iconic horse race at Churchill Downs averaged 19.6 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, the network announced Sunday. That made it the most-watched Kentucky Derby on record. Viewership peaked at about 24.4 million viewers during the race, which was also the largest audience for an NBC broadcast of the Derby.

By comparison, Sovereignty’s win at last year’s Kentucky Derby averaged about 17.7 million viewers and peaked at about 21.8 million.

The win was also historic for trainer Cherie DeVaux. She became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, and had quite the reaction as Golden Tempo pulled out the victory.

“I don’t even have any words right now,” DeVaux said. “Jose did a wonderful job, masterful job at getting him there. He was so far out of it and he has had so much faith in this horse.”

Golden Tempo was invited to run in the Preakness Stakes in two weeks, though it’s unclear if it’ll do so. Two of the last four Kentucky Derby winners have opted out of that race. The last horse to pull off the Triple Crown was Justify in 2018.

“He just said what no one has ever dared to say about Taylor Swift…” — Michael Strahan drops a statement that left the e...
05/05/2026

“He just said what no one has ever dared to say about Taylor Swift…” — Michael Strahan drops a statement that left the entire studio frozen.
For a moment inside the FOX Sunday studio… the air changed.

A Momeпt That Stopped the Stυdio: Michael Strahaп oп Taylor Swift

It wasп’t sυpposed to be the headliпe.

Jυst aпother segmeпt. Aпother morпiпg. Aпother coпversatioп moviпg at the familiar rhythm of live televisioп.

Bυt iпside the FOX Sυпday stυdio, somethiпg shifted—sυddeпly, υпmistakably.

Aпd for a brief momeпt… everythiпg paυsed.

No Script. No Warпiпg. Jυst Trυth.

There was пo dramatic lead-iп.

No risiпg teпsioп.

No hiпt that aпythiпg oυt of the ordiпary was aboυt to υпfold.

Theп Michael Strahaп looked directly iпto the camera.

Steady. Focυsed. Uпfliпchiпg.

The kiпd of look that sigпals iпteпtioп—пot performaпce.

He didп’t hedge his words.

He didп’t wrap them iп caυtioп.

Aпd theп, iп a toпe that cυt cleaп throυgh the room, he said it:

“Taylor Swift isп’t jυst a legeпd… she’s somethiпg the iпdυstry caп’t replicate.”

For a split secoпd, the stυdio seemed to hold its breath.

A Statemeпt That Carried Weight

Iп aп iпdυstry where praise is ofteп exaggerated aпd recogпitioп carefυlly measυred, the words felt differeпt.

Not loυder.

Bυt heavier.

Strahaп didп’t stop there.

He described Taylor Swift as:

Aп aпomaly

A force

A liviпg coпtradictioп to everythiпg Hollywood claims to be

It wasп’t jυst admiratioп—it was aпalysis.

A framiпg of sυccess that weпt beyoпd charts, awards, or пυmbers.

Becaυse what he poiпted to wasп’t jυst what Swift has achieved.

It was how she achieved it.

Agaiпst the System—Aпd Wiппiпg

The moderп eпtertaiпmeпt iпdυstry is bυilt oп visibility.

Algorithms. Treпds. Virality.

Momeпts eпgiпeered for maximυm reach.

Iп that eпviroпmeпt, loпgevity is rare. Aυtheпticity, eveп rarer.

Aпd yet, as Strahaп emphasized, Taylor Swift bυilt somethiпg differeпt.

Aп empire rooted iп aυtheпticity

Sυstaiпed by emotioпal coппectioп

Protected by a qυiet, deliberate kiпd of coпtrol

While others chased relevaпce, adapted to treпds, or reiпveпted themselves to stay visible—

Swift did somethiпg almost coυпteriпtυitive.

She stayed coпsisteпt.

Aпd somehow, that coпsisteпcy became her greatest advaпtage.

Mυsic That Became Memory

Part of what makes the pheпomeпoп so difficυlt to replicate lies iп the mυsic itself.

For пearly two decades, Taylor Swift has created soпgs that doп’t jυst eпtertaiп—they attach themselves to momeпts iп people’s lives.

Breakυps. Begiппiпgs. Growiпg paiпs. Persoпal victories.

Her lyrics didп’t jυst describe emotioпs.

They mirrored them.

Faпs didп’t jυst listeп.

They felt seeп.

Aпd over time, that coппectioп traпsformed casυal listeпers iпto somethiпg deeper—somethiпg more eпdυriпg.

A commυпity.

Iпflυeпce Withoυt Noise

What stood oυt most iп Strahaп’s remarks wasп’t jυst the scale of Swift’s sυccess.

It was the пatυre of her iпflυeпce.

Iп a world where atteпtioп is ofteп demaпded—loυdly, coпstaпtly—Swift’s preseпce operates differeпtly.

She doesп’t пeed to domiпate every headliпe.

She doesп’t rely oп coпtroversy to stay visible.

Aпd yet, wheп she speaks… the world listeпs.

That paradox is part of what Strahaп highlighted:

“She пever chased relevaпce. Relevaпce chased her.”

It’s a liпe that qυickly echoed across social media—пot becaυse it soυпded clever, bυt becaυse it felt trυe.

&пbsp;The Sileпce That Followed

After the statemeпt, somethiпg υпυsυal happeпed.

Sileпce.

Not the υпcomfortable kiпd that fills gaps iп coпversatioп.

Bυt somethiпg heavier.

A paυse that comes wheп everyoпe iп the room recogпizes that somethiпg real has jυst beeп said.

Cameras were still rolliпg.

Lights still shiпiпg.

Bυt for a momeпt, the eпergy shifted.

No oпe rυshed to respoпd.

No oпe tried to top the statemeпt.

Becaυse there was пothiпg to add.

The Iпterпet Reacts

It didп’t take loпg.

Withiп miпυtes, clips of the momeпt begaп circυlatiпg oпliпe—spreadiпg rapidly across platforms, drawiпg reactioпs from faпs, critics, aпd iпdυstry iпsiders alike.

“He said exactly what we’ve beeп thiпkiпg.”

“That’s пot hype—that’s fact.”

“Yoυ caп’t maпυfactυre what she has.”

The coпseпsυs, while пot υпaпimoυs, was strikiпgly coпsisteпt:

This wasп’t jυst praise.

It was recogпitioп.

&пbsp;More Thaп Fame—A Cυltυral Coпstaпt

Fame, iп today’s laпdscape, is ofteп temporary.

Bυilt qυickly. Coпsυmed qυickly. Forgotteп qυickly.

Bυt what Strahaп poiпted to was somethiпg differeпt.

A kiпd of cυltυral permaпeпce.

Taylor Swift isп’t jυst part of the coпversatioп.

She defiпes parts of it.

Her work iпflυeпces пot jυst mυsic, bυt fashioп, bυsiпess models, faп eпgagemeпt, aпd eveп how artists approach owпership aпd coпtrol iп their careers.

That level of impact doesп’t happeп by accideпt.

Aпd it doesп’t fade easily.

The Uпreplicable Factor

Perhaps the most powerfυl idea embedded iп Strahaп’s statemeпt was this:

What Swift represeпts caп’t be eпgiпeered.

Iп aп iпdυstry bυilt oп formυlas—oп repeatable sυccess models aпd scalable fame—her trajectory resists dυplicatioп.

Yoυ caп imitate the soυпd.

Yoυ caп mimic the strategy.

Bυt the coппectioп?

The timiпg.

The evolυtioп.

The trυst bυilt over years?

That’s пot somethiпg yoυ caп maпυfactυre.

&пbsp;A Legacy Still Uпfoldiпg

What makes the momeпt eveп more compelliпg is that it isп’t aboυt closυre.

It’s пot a retrospective look at a fiпished career.

It’s happeпiпg iп real time.

Swift’s legacy isп’t somethiпg beiпg preserved.

It’s somethiпg still expaпdiпg.

Still shapiпg.

Still iпflυeпciпg.

Aпd that adds aпother layer to what Strahaп said.

Becaυse recogпiziпg somethiпg as “υпtoυchable” while it’s still evolviпg is rare.

Fiпal Thoυght: Wheп Recogпitioп Becomes Reality

Iп the eпd, the momeпt iпside that stυdio wasп’t aboυt shock valυe.

It wasп’t coпtroversy.

It wasп’t coпflict.

It was clarity.

A recogпitioп—spokeп plaiпly, withoυt hesitatioп—of somethiпg maпy have observed bυt few have articυlated so directly.

That what Taylor Swift represeпts goes beyoпd sυccess.

Beyoпd fame.

Beyoпd iпflυeпce.

It’s somethiпg qυieter.

Somethiпg stroпger.

Somethiпg that doesп’t пeed to prove itself aпymore.

Becaυse some thiпgs…

Caп’t be copied.

Caп’t be replaced.

Caп’t be recreated.

They simply eпdυre.

Qυietly.

Powerfυlly.

Iпevitably.

Aпd whether the iпdυstry is ready or пot—

That kiпd of legacy doesп’t fade.

It becomes υпtoυchable.

There’s still a very real possibility that the Kansas City Chiefs could reunite with running back Kareem Hunt—a move tha...
05/05/2026

There’s still a very real possibility that the Kansas City Chiefs could reunite with running back Kareem Hunt—a move that would certainly spark conversation across the NFL landscape. While nothing is official, the idea isn’t as far-fetched as it might have seemed just a few seasons ago. Hunt, who originally entered the league as a breakout star in Kansas City, has remained a productive and versatile back, capable of contributing both on the ground and in the passing game. That kind of dual-threat ability still holds value, especially for a Chiefs offense that thrives on creativity and adaptability.
From a football standpoint, the fit makes sense. Head coach Andy Reid is known for maximizing offensive weapons, and pairing Hunt with the current system—led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes—could add another layer of unpredictability. Even if Hunt isn’t expected to carry a full workload, his experience and familiarity with the organization could make him a reliable rotational piece or situational weapon in key moments.
Of course, any potential reunion would depend on multiple factors, including roster needs, salary considerations, and how the Chiefs evaluate their current backfield depth. The team has shown a willingness to evolve offensively, often relying less on a single featured running back and more on a committee approach. In that context, Hunt’s return wouldn’t necessarily be about nostalgia—it would be about efficiency and depth.
For fans, though, the emotional angle is hard to ignore. Hunt’s early success in Kansas City left a lasting impression, and the idea of a second chapter carries a sense of unfinished business. Whether that story actually continues remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the door isn’t completely closed.

05/05/2026

Travis Kelce Jokingly Claps Back at Meryl Streep: 'You Have No Idea How Good I Am at Walking in Heels!'
The NFL star reacted to Streep's comments that he couldn't walk on cobblestones in heels

Travis Kelce is responding to Meryl Streep's recent comment calling out the 36-year-old Kansas City Chiefs tight end.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump visited Slap’s BBQ in Kansas City today and his top priority was to ask how Chiefs QB Pat...
05/05/2026

U.S. President Donald J. Trump visited Slap’s BBQ in Kansas City today and his top priority was to ask how Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is recovering from his ACL tear 🤝

“Most importantly, how’s Mahomes doing? Is he OK?” Trump asked.

“You tell the people we love him. He’s got to be OK…so he will start game one, you think? He’s gonna be close, right? He is a fantastic guy. Say hello to him for me.”

During a visit to Slap’s BBQ, U.S. President Donald J. Trump made headlines not just for sampling some of the city’s most beloved barbecue—but for showing unexpected concern for one of its biggest sports icons. According to those present, Trump’s top question upon arrival wasn’t about brisket or ribs—it was about the recovery of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s brightest stars, is reportedly working his way back from an ACL injury that has had fans anxiously awaiting updates. Trump’s inquiry into the quarterback’s health struck a chord with locals, blending sports, politics, and community pride in a uniquely Kansas City moment. Witnesses say the brief exchange sparked conversation among patrons, many of whom appreciated the nod to the city’s football hero.
While details about Mahomes’ recovery timeline remain limited, the fact that his status is top-of-mind—even during a presidential visit—speaks volumes about his impact both on and off the field. As Kansas City continues to rally behind its quarterback, moments like this highlight just how deeply sports figures can resonate across all corners of American life—even drawing the attention of the Commander-in-Chief over a plate of barbecue.

Skip Bayless to Reunite With Stephen A. Smith on Friday’s ‘First Take’The two deans of embrace debate are reuniting. Ski...
04/05/2026

Skip Bayless to Reunite With Stephen A. Smith on Friday’s ‘First Take’

The two deans of embrace debate are reuniting. Skip Bayless will join Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take this Friday, Front Office Sports has learned.

The reunion of the two former TV partners is described as a “one-time show.” It will be the first time Bayless and Smith have appeared together on ESPN’s top-rated morning show since June 2016.

After signing a five-year, $100 million contract extension in 2025, Smith is ESPN’s highest-paid talent. But he’s nothing if not loyal to Bayless, whom he’s referred to as a “brother from another mother.”

Smith has also publicly praised Bayless for saving his TV career and setting him on the path to becoming ESPN’s biggest star.

In 2009, Smith was let go by ESPN after the cancellation of his talk show, Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith. But Bayless went to bat for his friend, bringing him aboard First Take as a guest debater. In 2012, Smith joined Bayless on the show full-time. From there, First Take became one of ESPN’s biggest hits, inspiring a wave of copycat embrace-debate programming.

Bayless jumped to Fox Sports’s FS1 to launch the rival debate show, Undisputed, with Shannon Sharpe in August 2016. That made Smith—not Bayless—the main star of First Take, and he never looked back. Smith consistently spanked his mentor and longtime sparring partner in the ratings for years until Bayless and Sharpe’s TV marriage imploded in 2023.

Bayless continued to host Undisputed until the show’s cancellation in 2024. After leaving FS1, he has continued to opine on sports on his personal YouTube channel, as well as on Underdog’s The Arena: Gridiron, which he cohosts with Gilbert Arenas. Smith and Bayless have made occasional media appearances together in recent years, although none have occurred on ESPN airwaves.

“No one has ever quite matched the chemistry that maybe God above gave us,” Bayless told Smith when his old partner appeared on The Arena in February. “Can’t teach it, or coach it. It just worked, and it was entertaining, and enlightening. It was just fun.”

As executive producer of First Take, Smith holds the ultimate power on the show. He pushed out former sparring partner Max Kellerman in 2021 when he felt the show had plateaued. This year, he weathered the departure of former moderator Molly Qerim. From January through April, his show averaged 517,000 viewers, up 5% versus the same period in 2025.

The 58-year-old Smith successfully pushed ESPN to bring on Sharpe as a semi-regular debate partner during football season, following the Hall of Fame tight end’s exit from FS1. So don’t be surprised if this “one-time” reunion with the 74-year-old Bayless turns into a recurring element of the show.

In addition to Bayless, other First Take appearances this week include rapper Cam’ron on Tuesday and personality The Kid Mero on Thursday.

Taylor Swift Just Broke the Internet with One Unscripted Moment 💥🎤Forget everything you thought you knew about carefully...
04/05/2026

Taylor Swift Just Broke the Internet with One Unscripted Moment 💥🎤
Forget everything you thought you knew about carefully choreographed performances—Taylor Swift just flipped the script in the most unforgettable way possible. At a moment when the night already felt electric, she took full control and delivered something no one saw coming… and the internet hasn’t been the same since.
With zero buildup and absolutely no warning, the global superstar paused the spectacle and created a moment that felt raw, real, and completely unfiltered. Then came the shockwave: she brought out Travis Kelce—not as part of a polished segment, but as a genuine, unscripted surprise that instantly sent fans into emotional overdrive.
There were no cameras guiding the narrative, no teleprompters feeding lines—just two people sharing a moment in front of thousands. When Taylor looked at him and softly said, “I will always love you,” time seemed to freeze. And then… the eruption. The crowd didn’t just react—they exploded, turning the stadium into a wave of sound and emotion.
In an era where so much feels rehearsed, this hit differently. It wasn’t about production value or viral strategy—it was about authenticity. And that’s exactly why it’s everywhere right now. Clips are spreading like wildfire, fans are dissecting every second, and the cultural impact is undeniable.
Award shows? Planned reveals? Forget it. This wasn’t just a surprise—it was a takeover. A moment that reminded everyone why live experiences still matter… and why when Taylor Swift goes off-script, the world pays attention.

Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid sees some LeSean McCoy in Emmett Johnson's game after just one rookie minicamp practiceK...
04/05/2026

Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid sees some LeSean McCoy in Emmett Johnson's game after just one rookie minicamp practice

Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid likes what he’s seen from 2026 NFL Draft pick Emmett Johnson after just a single rookie minicamp practice. He’s even gone so far as to compare his game to Shady McCoy.

The Kansas City Chiefs held their first rookie minicamp practice on Friday, May 1, and several draft picks are already drawing the coaching staff’s attention.

Speaking to media members ahead of the team’s second practice on Saturday, Chiefs HC Andy Reid shared his first impressions of a few new players. His comments about Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson, pick No. 161 in Round 5, were truly exciting.

New Chiefs RB Emmett Johnson Quick Facts & Stats

Johnson played under former Carolina Panthers HC Matt Rhule at Nebraska. He says everything he learned with the Cornhuskers has already translated really well to Kansas City and the NFL.

New Chiefs RB Emmett Johnson’s style is already reminding Andy Reid of LeSean McCoy

Asked about his first impression of Emmett Johnson, Chiefs HC Andy Reid mentioned a lot of things that he likes about him so far. He also brought up a comparison from his past, both as a head coach with the Chiefs and the Eagles.

“Yeah, first of all, he’s got a good feel for things,” Reid said of Johnson. “Smart kid, good kid, and he’s got that lateral quickness. I mean, we had LeSean McCoy here for a bit, and he’s got a little bit of that to him, where he can shift gears and still get himself upfield quickly.”

Shady McCoy, of course, was a member of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV roster, but was drafted by Reid and Brett Veach in Philadelphia back in 2009. McCoy was known as one of the league’s most elusive backs during his playing days, so this isn’t a comparison to take lightly. It’s a bit irresponsible, but also exciting in the same vein as Reid’s post-draft comparison for Peter Woods.

Beyond the lateral quickness and acceleration, Reid seems to see an all-purpose running back in Johnson so far. Admittedly, they’ve not done any live tackling or padded practices, so there’s still more to glean, but it’s a good start for the rookie.

“I like the way he’s pass-protected,” Reid continued. “I like the way he catches the football, and it looks like he can do that here. We’re not doing live stuff, but the catching part, he does easily. And probably most of all, I just like his smarts.”

Special teams could be Emmett Johnson’s path to contribute early with the Chiefs

While Kenneth Walker is expected to be the lead back in Kansas City, the Chiefs are already looking for unique ways to use Johnson. Andy Reid says he’s already begun to carve out a role on special teams with Dave Toub.

“He’s gonna help on special teams, too,” Reid said of Johnson. “So Dave (Toub) has him in that up back position on the punt team, and able to make all the calls and get guys going in the right direction.”

“Whatever the team needs, man,” Johnson told reporters. “If they need me to run down there and kick off, do kick return, gunner, whatever they need. I told Coach, ‘I’m willing to do whatever it takes for the team to win.’ So, I’m just looking forward to any opportunity I get on special teams. That’s super important. Field position is super important, too.”

Asked about any experience as a return specialist, Johnson had to draw on his high school days played at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota.

“I do,” Johnson said. “I know it was high school, but you know, they didn’t kick the ball to me. They kicked it away. So, if that says much… I’m good at returning.”

04/05/2026

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce fans erupt over whispers couple bought Kentucky Derby horse after owner teases NDA Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce fans are humming over buzz the couple bought a 10 percent stake in the 2026 Kentucky Derby race horse The Puma this week. The rumor mill over Swift and Kelce's interest in the three-year-old chestnut thoroughbred started online, coinciding with the couple's plans to wed this summer. 'Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are now 10 percent part owners of Kentucky derby entry The Puma,' one X user wrote on Monday. 'Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce just bought 10% ownership in The Puma… an official announcement is coming soon,' another fan commented on Instagram, adding the hashtags and .

“No Flowers, Just Work”: Emmett Johnson Embraces the Standard Set by Eric Bieniemy in Chiefs Kingdom 🔴🏈For Kansas City C...
04/05/2026

“No Flowers, Just Work”: Emmett Johnson Embraces the Standard Set by Eric Bieniemy in Chiefs Kingdom 🔴🏈
For Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson, the welcome to Chiefs Kingdom hasn’t come with praise or comfort—it’s come with pressure, accountability, and a clear message: earn everything. And under Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy, that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.
“He’s been pushing me a lot,” Johnson shared, offering a glimpse into his early days in Kansas City’s system. “He’s somebody who’s never really gonna give you your flowers; he’s gonna be on you, and that’s what I love out of a coach.”
That mindset isn’t new for Bieniemy. Known across the league for his intensity and high standards, he’s built a reputation on demanding the best out of his players—especially young ones trying to carve out a role. For Johnson, that approach isn’t discouraging—it’s motivating. In fact, it’s exactly what he believes he needs to grow.
There’s a certain culture within the Chiefs organization—one rooted in discipline, detail, and relentless improvement. Compliments are earned on Sundays, not handed out in practice. And for a rookie running back stepping into a competitive backfield, every rep matters, every mistake is corrected, and every ounce of effort is expected.
Johnson’s response speaks volumes about his mentality. Rather than shying away from criticism, he’s leaning into it. He understands that greatness isn’t built on comfort—it’s forged through challenge. And if Bieniemy is pushing him this hard now, it’s because he sees something worth developing.
In Kansas City, the standard is clear: no shortcuts, no coasting, no guarantees. Just work.
And for Emmett Johnson, that’s exactly how he wants it.

"I'm just glad I could be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to," DeVaux ...
03/05/2026

"I'm just glad I could be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to," DeVaux said after her historic win

"I'm just glad I could be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to," DeVaux said after her historic win

Cherie DeVaux has made history as the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner after her horse Golden Tempo took home the coveted first-place prize.

DeVaux, 44, was photographed trackside in her bright red blazer at Churchill Downs in Louisville on Saturday, May 2, after Golden Tempo's triumphant win at odds of 23-1.

"I honestly don't know," DeVaux said as she was interviewed by NBC and asked what the win meant to her. "I'm just glad I could be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds to."

Golden Tempo's victory at the 152nd Run for the Roses also marked the first win for jockey Jose Ortiz, who guided the horse to a 2:02.27 finish in the 1 1/4-mile race. It also marks a win for Ortiz, 32, at every Triple Crown event, as he previously won the Belmont Stakes in 2017 with Tapwrit and the Preakness with Early Voting in 2022, per the Louisville Courier Journal.

Renegade came in second place, with Ortiz's brother Irad Ortiz Jr. jockeying, and long shot Ocelli placed third.

"I don't even have any words right now," DeVaux added through tears, per NPR and the Louisville Courier Journal, as she held her nephew, Maverick, and was surrounded by more family members. "I just can't. Just so, so so happy for Golden Tempo. Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job of getting him there. He was so far out of it."

According to USA Today, only 19 starters in Kentucky Derby history have been trained by women. The closest a woman has ever come to winning before DeVaux was Shelley Riley, who finished second with Casual Lies in 1992. DeVaux's win also marks the second time a female trainer has won a Triple Crown race, as Jena Antonucci won the Belmont Stakes with Arcangelo in 2023.

Originally from the Saratoga Springs, N.Y., area, DeVaux comes from a family with a history in Standardbred racing. She began her professional career in medicine at SUNY Albany before deciding to leave school and become a trainer.

DeVaux spent six years working under the late trainer Chuck Simon, and another eight years as an assistant to trainer Chad Brown. She went on to get her trainer's license in 2018, according to the Asbury Park Press, before she sent out her first winner in March 2019.

Earlier in the week, DeVaux shared that she doesn't aim to center her persona around being a female trainer, but she told the Courier Journal that she still realizes the weight of her accomplishment.

"By doing this, I am inspiring other young women, and that I am proud of," DeVaux told the outlet. "Women — young, old, whatever age — can look up to me and say, 'If she can do it, I can do it.' "

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