The first Saturday in May means it’s time for the Kentucky Derby, one of horse racing’s grandest events ever.
Accordingly, there is no shortage of veterans who have attended races at Churchill Downs over the years. Often, it’s a group of teammates who go together, similar to Tom Brady and new England Patriots In 2019. Last year, Simone Biles and her husband, jonathan owenswere among the big names in attendance.
The 152nd edition in 2026 will surely see the same top athletes taking part in the race. However, before it’s time for the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” here is a look at notable names who have participated in the Kentucky Derby in the past.
2025
Simone Biles, Jonathan Owens
Biles and her husband, now a security guard indianapolis coltsWent to the derby with a matching purple outfit.
livi dunn
The former LSU gymnast had a polka-dot look at Churchill Downs.
Carmelo Anthony
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer opted for a classic newsboy cap with a double-breasted jacket.
Russell wore a sleek button up and no jacket with his fiancée Laura Ivanioukas.
2024
Kelsey had a clear vision when he entered the race.
East green Bay Packers And New York Jets Teammates attend the Barnstable Brown Gala jimmy graham (second left), AJ Hawke (right) and David Bakhtiari (front left), among others.
emmitt smith
Special photos were included inside the jacket of the Hall of Fame running back.
2023
Patrick, Brittany Mahomes
The three-time Super Bowl champion wore a plaid jacket and shades to the derby with his wife, Brittany.
peyton manning
Manning wore a jacket with similar colors to his denver broncoswhere he spent his final four seasons.
2022
michael phelps
The records were on point for the 23-time Olympic gold medalist and his wife Nicole Johnson.
Bianca Bellaire, Montez Ford
WWE Superstars came to Churchill Downs ready to impress.
then a junior kentuckyLewis wore a tie with the same colors as the Wildcats’ blue.
2019
Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Danny Amendola
Brady and Amendola posed with their former Patriots coach, with Belichick’s former partner Linda Holliday also posing.
Mayfield shared a beard with his future wife, Emily.
2017
justin rose
2013 US Open winner Justin Rose attends the derby with his wife Kate.
Tom Brady, David Ortiz
The two Boston sports legends made sure to get photographed together at Churchill Downs.
2016
lindsey vonn
Famous alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn documented her derby experience by taking a photo with her phone.
