When you think of the Kentucky Derby, you probably picture towering thoroughbreds, floppy hats that cost more than a used car, and a whole lot of bourbon. You don't necessarily think of 4-foot-8 gymnastic legends. But on May 3, 2025, the energy at Churchill Downs shifted from the dirt track to the paddock when Simone Biles performed "Riders Up" at the Kentucky Derby.
It was the 151st running. The stakes were high. And honestly, seeing the G.O.A.T. of the mat trade her chalk for a microphone was the crossover event most people didn't know they needed.
The Moment Simone Biles Performed Riders Up at the Kentucky Derby
The "Riders Up" command is a big deal. It’s not just a loud shout; it’s the official signal for jockeys to mount their horses. If you miss it, you're basically late to the most important two minutes in sports.
Simone didn't miss.
Standing in the newly renovated paddock, she looked every bit the icon. She was joined by her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens. They were basically the royal couple of the day. Biles took the mic and, with the same confidence she uses to land a Yurchenko double pike, commanded the riders to mount.
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The crowd went absolutely wild.
It’s a tradition that has seen the likes of Martha Stewart and Patrick Mahomes in recent years. But there was something different about Biles. Maybe it was the fact that she had just come off a dominant performance at the Paris Olympics, or maybe it was just her infectious energy. Whatever it was, the "Riders Up" call felt like the official start of a new era for the Derby.
A Masterclass in Matching Outfits
If we’re being real, the fashion at the Derby is half the reason people tune in. Simone and Jonathan didn’t disappoint. They showed up in coordinated lilac and purple ensembles that were, frankly, stunning.
- Simone’s Look: A sparkling lilac mini dress that caught every bit of the Kentucky sun.
- Jonathan’s Look: A matching lavender-toned suit, topped off with a stylish fedora.
- The Vibe: Pure power couple energy.
They weren't just there for the photo op, though. Earlier that weekend, Simone was spotted sipping her first mint julep—a Derby rite of passage. She even shared on social media how rare it was to have a weekend off at the same time as Jonathan, given their grueling athletic schedules.
Why This Moment Mattered for Sports Culture
You might wonder why a gymnast is at a horse race. It’s a fair question. But the Kentucky Derby has become less about just the horses and more about a collision of high-level excellence.
Biles represents the pinnacle of human athleticism. Putting her in the center of Churchill Downs bridges the gap between traditional "legacy" sports like horse racing and the explosive, modern popularity of Olympic gymnastics.
Interestingly, she wasn't the only gymnast in town. Olivia "Livvy" Dunne, the LSU star and social media powerhouse, actually gave the "Riders Up" call the day before for the Kentucky Oaks. It was a weekend dominated by the mats, even if the athletes were standing on grass.
The Pressure of the Paddock
You’d think a woman who has won 11 Olympic medals wouldn't be nervous about shouting two words. But the Derby is different. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and the horses are notoriously high-strung.
The paddock at Churchill Downs is a pressure cooker. Thousands of eyes are on the celebrity announcer. One slip-up, and you’re a meme forever. Biles handled it like the pro she is. Her voice was clear, her timing was perfect, and the jockeys—many of whom are probably fans—headed to their mounts without a hitch.
Practical Insights from the 151st Derby
If you're planning on heading to Louisville for the next Run for the Roses, or if you just want to channel your inner Simone, here is the "real talk" on how to handle the event.
1. Don't underestimate the Paddock. Most people think the action is at the finish line. It’s not. The paddock is where the soul of the race lives. If you want to see the celebrities and the horses up close, that’s where you need to be.
2. Fashion is a sport here. Simone and Jonathan didn't just pick those outfits ten minutes before leaving the hotel. Derby fashion is planned months in advance. If you're going, lean into the colors. Lavender and lilac were the "it" colors of 2025 for a reason.
3. The "Riders Up" timing is precise. The call happens roughly 20 minutes before post time. If you’re at the bar getting another drink, you’ll miss the most iconic shout in sports.
4. It’s about more than the race. The Derby is a weekend-long celebration. From the Barnstable Brown Gala (where Simone was also seen) to the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, the event is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself.
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What’s Next for Simone Biles?
After her stint at the Derby, Biles didn't slow down. She’s been seen at Real Madrid matches and continuing her "Gold Over America" tour. While she hasn't officially committed to the 2028 Los Angeles Games yet, her presence at major cultural events like the Kentucky Derby shows that she is far more than just an athlete. She’s a brand, a leader, and a permanent fixture in the American spotlight.
The 151st Kentucky Derby will be remembered for Sovereignty’s win, sure. But for many, the image of Simone Biles commanding the field is the one that will stick. It was a moment where the greatest athlete in the world met the greatest race in the world, and honestly, it lived up to the hype.
If you're looking to replicate that Derby energy at home, start by looking into local equestrian events or even just upgrading your spring wardrobe with some bold, Biles-inspired pastels. The next Derby is always closer than you think, and the "Riders Up" tradition is only getting bigger.
To keep up with the latest in sports and celebrity culture, make sure to follow the official Kentucky Derby social channels and keep an eye on Simone's upcoming tour dates. Knowing her, she’s just getting started.