The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the United States and recognized around the world.
As the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Derby sets the conversation for horse racing through the spring. The winner becomes a topic as observers wonder if that Thoroughbred can join the other 13 horses who have won the Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. (The last Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018.)
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Yet the Kentucky Derby is also a cultural event. It’s a fashion show, with people decked out in stylish suits and flamboyant hats. But it’s also like an awards show where celebrities attend to establish their place in pop culture and yearn to be seen. If they’re at the Derby and getting their photos taken, they must matter, right?
For instance, North Carolina coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Jordon Hudson. Maybe they don’t rate as huge celebrities, but they’re definitely high-profile figures in sports. Hudson took the opportunity to show some humor on social media, joking it’s “not the first time we’ve trudged through the mud together.”
Several NFL players were also in attendance at Churchill Downs, including free agents Cameron Jordan and Von Miller, (who’s been a fixture at the Derby since at least 2019) New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean attends the 2026 Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
(Daniel Boczarski via Getty Images)
And if Rob Gronkowski is on the scene, it must be a party.
“CBS Mornings” and “The NFL Today” co-host Nate Burleson, also a former NFL player, made a bold choice to wear shorts.
Former WNBA star Sue Bird also walked the red carpet at Churchill Downs.
Sue Bird was among the sports celebrities on the red carpet at the Kentucky Derby. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Celebrities known to non-sports fans also attending the Derby included some boy-band favorites like former N’Sync star Lance Bass and Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys.
Additionally, former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora hit the red carpet.
Richie Sambora rocked the Kentucky Derby red carpet. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
(Jeff Schear via Getty Images)
Making the Kentucky Derby scene legendary was actor Neil Patrick Harris.
Neil Patrick Harris speaks to reporters at the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
(Jeff Schear via Getty Images)
“Hamilton” star and Grammy Award winner Anthony Ramos was also part of the celebrity crowd in Louisville.
Actor Anthony Ramos made a red carpet appearance at the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
(Jeff Schear via Getty Images)
“Everyone comes here and they’re excited to be here,” Ramos told the Louisville Courier-Journal. “I was just excited to come and watch my friends race and learn, get to know people here.”