The 2026 Kentucky Derby features many of the biggest celebrities in America for the massive horse racing spectacle, including NFL stars like Rob Gronkowski.
The iconic horse race is always known for its incredible pageantry, including women wearing elegant dresses and floppy hats. Meanwhile, this year’s derby is upping its game with many notable stars in attendance.
MORE: Latest 2026 Kentucky Derby odds for race day at Churchill Downs
Kentucky Derby race days serve as the first of the three major horse races during the Triple Crown run. The Preakness and Belmont Stakes will all follow in the coming weeks, but Kentucky simply boasts a different vibe.
The iconic horse racing event takes place Saturday afternoon around 6:57 p.m. ET. Here are all the viewing details for Kentucky Derby fans to enjoy the massive spectacle to start Triple Crown season.
Celebrities attending 2026 Kentucky Derby
NFL players always have a massive affinity for attending the Kentucky Derby, especially top-named quarterbacks over the years.
New York Giants standout Jasxon Dart is one of the biggest signal callers to show up this year. Dart is also alongside his model girlfriend Marissa Ayers, who has dazzled in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition.
Mike Repole’s horses are 0-11 in the Kentucky Derby.
Today, the billionaire Nobull owner and St. John’s booster’s horse Renegade is the favorite to win at Churchill Downs. pic.twitter.com/6oLxePdKjl
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 2, 2026
Meanwhile, another notable New York mogul is also in attendance; Mike Repole. The entrepreneur and St. John’s superfan is hopeful that his horse, Renegade, can win this year’s event.
Heading into the 2026 event, the NOBULL owner is 0-11 all-time at the Kentucky Derby as he seeks his first win. Renegade boasts one of the best odds to win this year’s race ahead of post time.
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Another wildly-discussed couple in attendance this weekend is NFL legend Bill Belichick and his significant other Jordon Hudson. The North Carolina Tar Heels head coach enters his second season in college football after leaving the NFL.
Gronkowski, one of Belichick’s former players in New England, is also attending with his supermodel girlfriend Camille Kostek. Meanwhile the ex-Patriots star tight end even revealed that he hopes to get into horse ownership in the future.
Former Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson even made it onto the derby’s official X account after being spotted. Wilson is currently looking for a new NFL team next season after playing for the Giants in 2025.
Other notable celebrities at the derby