Watch: Simone Biles gives ‘Riders Up’ command before Kentucky Derby
Olympian Simone Biles may be the GOAT in gymnastics, but she found herself horsing around at the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Biles gave the ‘Riders Up’ call ahead of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, a legendary command that informs jockeys to mount their horses. The Olympian donned a lavender ensemble from The Hat Girls, a three-time featured milliner of the Kentucky Derby. Biles paired her lavender strapless mini dress adorned with diamonds with a fascinator and matching eyeshadow.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment, Riders Up!’ said Biles, who then blew a kiss.
Biles follows in the footsteps of A-list stars and athletes that have given the ‘Riders Up’ call at the Kentucky Derby, including Martha Stewart (2024), Patrick Mahomes (2023) and Jack Harlow (2022). Other superstars to give the command include Hall of Fame horse trainer D. Wayne Lukas (2021), Baker Mayfield (2019), Laila Ali (2018), Jeff Bridges (2017), Sean Payton (2016), Teddy Bridgewater (2015), Julius Erving (2014), Charlie Strong (2013) and John Calipari (2012).
Biles is in town with her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, and her mother, Nellie Biles. Like Biles, Owens was also dressed in lavender on Derby Day and paired a purple fedora and suit jacket with white trousers. The couple arrived in Louisville on Friday and even enjoyed their ‘first mint julep’ at Churchill Downs.
‘We love being able to do event together, because it’s not super common when we are in the same room at the same time celebrating something so special,’ Biles told the USA TODAY Network from the Derby red carpet.
As for Biles’ Kentucky Derby pick? She fittingly selected Chunk of Gold out of Gate 17 — She does have seven Olympic gold medals to her name, after all. But Chunk of Gold is going to need some luck. Starting gate No. 17 is still looking for its first champion since the post started being used in 1930.
Watch: Simone Biles gives ‘Riders Up’ call
Livvy Dunne gives ‘Riders Up’ call at Kentucky Oaks
Biles isn’t the only gymnast milling around at Churchill Downs. LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne gave the ‘Riders Up’ command at the Kentucky Oaks, which is held annually on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby.
Who performed the national anthem at Kentucky Derby?
Grammy-nominated artist Grace Potter was tapped to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Derby.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
