The first Saturday in May means it’s time for the Kentucky Derby, one of horse racing’s grandest events of all time.
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Accordingly, there are no shortage of luminaries that have attended the race at Churchill Downs through the years. Oftentimes, it’s a group of teammates that go together, similar to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in 2019. Last year, Simone Biles and her husband, Jonathan Owens, were among the big names to be in attendance.
The 152nd edition in 2026 has more of the same top athletes taking in the race. Here’s a look at who will be at “Greatest Two Minutes In Sports,” and some notable names who have taken in the Kentucky Derby in the past.
2026
Bill Belichick, Jordon Hudson
The North Carolina Tar Heels football coach and his girlfriend made an appearance at the 2026 Derby.
Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
Sue Bird
Recently retired, the WNBA legend went with a clean white look.
Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
Von Miller
Miller wore a fresh blue suit with white shoes and shirt, topped by a matching blue hat.
Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
Danica McKellar and Melissa Joan Hart
These two 90’s TV icons went all-in on the Derby’s tradition of outrageous hats.
Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
2025
Simone Biles, Jonathan Owens
Biles and her husband, now a safety for the Indianapolis Colts, took in the Derby with matching purple outfits.
(Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
Livvy Dunne
The former LSU gymnast had a polka-dot look at Churchill Downs.
(Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
Carmelo Anthony
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer opted for a classic newsboy cap with a double-breasted jacket.
(Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
D’Angelo Russell
Russell went for sleek button up and no jacket alongside his fiancée, Laura Ivaniukas.
(Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
2024
Travis Kelce
Kelce had a clean look on as he took in the race.
(Photo by LEANDRO LOZADA/AFP via Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams
The former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets teammates attended the Barnstable Brown Gala alongside Jimmy Graham (second left), AJ Hawk (right) and David Bakhtiari (front left), among others.
(Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)
Emmitt Smith
The Hall of Fame running back’s jacket included special photos on the inside of it.
(Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
2023
Patrick, Brittany Mahomes
The three-time Super Bowl champion wore a plaid jacket and shades to the Derby with his wife, Brittany.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Peyton Manning
Manning rocked a jacket with colors similar to those of the Denver Broncos, where he spent his final four seasons.
(Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)
2022
Michael Phelps
Colors were on point for the record 23-time Olympic gold medalist and his wife, Nicole Johnson.
(Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
Bianca Belair, Montez Ford
The WWE superstars came dressed to impress at Churchill Downs.
(Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images)
Will Levis
Then a junior at Kentucky, Levis rocked a tie with colors similar to that of the Wildcats’ blue.
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
2019
Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Danny Amendola
Brady and Amendola posed alongside their former Patriots coach, with Belichick’s former partner, Linda Holliday, also posing.
(Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
Baker Mayfield
Mayfield sported a beard with his future wife, Emily.
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
2017
Justin Rose
2013 U.S. Open winner Justin Rose took in the Derby with his wife, Kate.
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
Tom Brady, David Ortiz
Two Boston sports legends made sure to snap a photo together at Churchill Downs.
2016
Lindsey Vonn
Legendary Alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn documented her Derby experience by taking a picture with her phone.
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
