Retired jockey and legendary Kentucky Derby winner Pat Day will serve as the “Riders Up” announcer for the 152nd race on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
It’s a long tradition which allows celebrities and athletes to take part in the start of the Run for the Roses. Here’s who else has done it over the years.
Who was the ‘Riders Up’ announcer at the 151st Kentucky Derby?
Simone Biles was the “Riders Up” announcer in 2025.
With 41 medals across World Championships and the Olympic Games, Biles holds the most World Championship medals (30) and gold medals (23) in gymnastics history. A three-time Olympian, her 11 Olympic medals and seven Olympic gold medals are the most by a US gymnast.
Who was the ‘Riders Up’ announcer at the 150th Kentucky Derby?
In 2024 at Kentucky Derby 150, Martha Stewart was the “Riders Up” announcer. She almost called Kentucky “Connecticut,” in a viral moment.
Who was the ‘Riders Up’ announcer at the Kentucky Derby in 2023?
In 2023 Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, was the “Riders Up” announcer.
Who was the ‘Riders Up’ announcer at the Kentucky Derby in 2022?
During the 2022 Kentucky Derby, rapper and Louisville native Jack Harlow was the “Riders Up” announcer.
More ‘Riders Up’ announcers
- John Calipari (2012)
- Charlie Strong (2013)
- Julius Irving (2014)
- Teddy Bridgewater (2015)
- Sean Peyton (2016)
- Jeff Bridges (2017)
- Laila Ali (2018)
- Baker Mayfield (2019)
- D. Wayne Lukas (2021)
Contributing: Katie Wiseman and Kirby Adams. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Who has said ‘Riders Up’ at Kentucky Derby? See list of celebrities