When the confetti fell on a history-making Kentucky Derby, one of the first people trainer Cherie DeVaux reached for was her husband, David Ingordo. For a woman who spent years as an assistant trainer, finally stepping into her own spotlight required a decisive push from the person who knew her best.
“It was a conversation with my now husband,“ DeVaux has recalled. ”I was burned out from being an assistant trainer. I wanted to do something more for myself, have a little bit more of a personal life,” Ingordo, a bloodstock agent whose business is the buying and selling of thoroughbreds, didn‘t just support the leap—he encouraged it when she needed it most, even joking that he would have to take on the role of ”Doctor Phil“ to talk her off the ledge.
DeVaux’s victory lane in 2026 wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a family affair, from the horses in her barn to the cheering section that made the trip from New York to Louisville. The sport runs deep in her blood, a legacy she continues to build and share with those closest to her. Her path from a pre-med student to a record-setting trainer is a story not just of individual grit, but of the family that provided her foundation and continues to stand by her side.
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A Partnership Rooted in the Track
Married to bloodstock agent David Ingordo, the two form a formidable team in the racing world. DeVaux and Ingordo have built a life and a partnership deeply intertwined with the sport. As a bloodstock agent, Ingordo plays a crucial role in the industry, acting as an agent for the buying and selling of thoroughbreds.
Their collaboration extends beyond the personal sphere; Ingordo’s professional insight is a resource DeVaux can rely on as she manages her stable. Before she ever struck out on her own, it was Ingordo who saw her potential when she was doubting herself. “In the summer of 2017, I was kind of at a crossroads in life, and my husband told me that I owed it to myself to at least try,“ DeVaux explained. ”He had the faith in me, and he saw what I didn’t see and believed in me“. That vote of confidence proved to be the catalyst for her iconic career.
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The Next Generation and a Racing Legacy
Cherie DeVaux is a stepmother to Reagan Ingordo, and her horses often carry names that honor her family. While DeVaux’s public focus is often on her horses, her role as a stepmother to Reagan is a cherished part of her private life. This deep connection is beautifully reflected in her work. A talented thoroughbred named Lucky Reagan is a direct tribute to her stepdaughter, bringing family pride directly onto the track. This thoughtful gesture highlights how DeVaux seamlessly blends her personal affections with her professional passion.
DeVaux’s immediate family is also deeply embedded in horse racing, turning their support into a multi-generational enterprise. Her younger sister, Adrianne, followed in her footsteps, beginning her own training career in September 2024 after working for Cherie for four years. The family bond also includes her brother, Jimmy, a highly accomplished driver and trainer with more than 5,000 wins to his name. When Golden Tempo made history at Churchill Downs, nearly a dozen family members piled into a van and drove 14 hours just to be there, a testament to the unwavering support system that has always surrounded her. For Cherie DeVaux, every victory is a family win.
