It’s one of the many traditions we love at the 2026 Kentucky Derby, from incredible hats and fashions to the mint juleps everyone drinks at Churchill Downs on Saturday — the call of “Riders Up!” from a celebrity or athlete.
Last year, it was all-time great gymnast Simone Biles who made the call. This time, it’ll be a horse racing legend who will make the call in 2026. Wondering who it is? You’ve come to the right place.
That would Pat Day, a winner at the Derby in 1992 and a Hall of Famer in racing. He started over 40,000 races in his storied career and won 8,803 of them.
Pat Day
Well deserved, tomorrow, he will call “Riders Up!” at the 152nd Kentucky Derby! pic.twitter.com/r2vwUlYIGq— @haraspaumar (@haraspaumar) May 2, 2026
There’s your answer! Enjoy the race!
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Who will say Riders Up at the 2026 Kentucky Derby?