Pat Day, a legendary retired jockey, will announce 'Riders Up' at the 152nd Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026. This tradition features various celebrities and athletes participating in the event.
Key points
Pat Day will announce 'Riders Up' at the 152nd Kentucky Derby
The event is on May 2, 2026
The tradition includes celebrities and athletes
Previous announcers have varied over the years
Mentioned in this story
Pat Day
Kentucky Derby
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?
Olympian Simone Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet. May 03, 2025
Olympian Simone Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet. May 03, 2025
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?
Businesswoman Martha Stewart poses on the 150th Kentucky Derby red carpet Saturday. May 04, 2024
Businesswoman Martha Stewart poses on the 150th Kentucky Derby red carpet Saturday. May 04, 2024
In 2024 at Kentucky Derby 150, Martha Stewart was the "Riders Up" announcer. She almost called Kentucky "Connecticut," in a viral moment.
Q&A
Who is Pat Day and what is his significance in horse racing?
Pat Day is a retired jockey known for his legendary career and multiple Kentucky Derby wins, making him a prominent figure in horse racing.
What does the term 'Riders Up' mean in the context of the Kentucky Derby?
'Riders Up' is an announcement signaling jockeys to mount their horses before the race begins, marking an important tradition in the Kentucky Derby.
Who else has served as the 'Riders Up' announcer at previous Kentucky Derbies?
Over the years, various celebrities and athletes have taken on the role of 'Riders Up' announcer, contributing to the event's rich tradition.
When is the 152nd Kentucky Derby scheduled to take place?
The 152nd Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 2, 2026.
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Who was the 'Riders Up' announcer at the Kentucky Derby in 2022?
Rapper Jack Harlow in the Paddock before the running of the 148th Kentucky Derby Saturday at Churchill Downs. Harlow was there to do the Riders Up call. May 7, 2022
Rapper Jack Harlow in the Paddock before the running of the 148th Kentucky Derby Saturday at Churchill Downs. Harlow was there to do the Riders Up call. May 7, 2022
During the 2022 Kentucky Derby, rapper and Louisville native Jack Harlow was the "Riders Up" announcer.
More 'Riders Up' announcers
Olympian Simone Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet May 03, 2025. She announced 'Riders Up' that year.
Football player Jonathan Owens, left, and Olympian Simone Biles, right, pose on the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala red carpet Friday night. May 02, 2025. Biles announced 'Riders Up' that year.
Chicago Bears football player Jonathan Owens and Olympian Simone Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet May 03, 2025. Biles announced 'Riders Up' that year.
Rapper Jack Harlow did the Riders Up call May 7, 2022. He eventually petted the horse of Churchill Downs outrider Greg Blasi, though he did back off when the horse reared his head before the running of the 148th Kentucky Derby.
Martha Stewart's Red Carpet interview at the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. She called 'Riders Up' in 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes called the "Riders Up" command at the 149th Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023. He's here with his wife Brittany at the Kentucky Derby red carpet.
John Calipari, the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, gave the 'Riders Up' call at the 2012 Kentucky Derby. Here, he gives instructions to his team against the Utah Valley Wolverines at Rupp Arena on November 18, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas did the Riders Up call at the 147th Kentucky Derby in 2021. Here he watches his horses train from the side of the track at Churchill Downs on April 23, 2021.
Sean Payton, then-head coach of the New Orleans Saints, said 'Riders Up' in 2016. Here, he attends the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers as Denver Broncos head coach in 2025. Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Baker Mayfield called 'Riders Up' in 2019. Here, he and Emily Wilkinson walk the red carpet at the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2019.
Laila Ali, retired boxing champion, called 'Riders Up' in 2018. Here, she poses on the Derby red carpet on May 05, 2018.
1 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Olympian Simone Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet May 03, 2025. She announced 'Riders Up' that year.
1 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Olympian Simone Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet May 03, 2025. She announced 'Riders Up' that year.
2 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Football player Jonathan Owens, left, and Olympian Simone Biles, right, pose on the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala red carpet Friday night. May 02, 2025. Biles announced 'Riders Up' that year.
3 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Chicago Bears football player Jonathan Owens and Olympian Simone Biles on the Kentucky Derby red carpet May 03, 2025. Biles announced 'Riders Up' that year.
4 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Rapper Jack Harlow did the Riders Up call May 7, 2022. He eventually petted the horse of Churchill Downs outrider Greg Blasi, though he did back off when the horse reared his head before the running of the 148th Kentucky Derby.
5 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Martha Stewart's Red Carpet interview at the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. She called 'Riders Up' in 2024.
6 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes called the "Riders Up" command at the 149th Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023. He's here with his wife Brittany at the Kentucky Derby red carpet.
7 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
John Calipari, the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, gave the 'Riders Up' call at the 2012 Kentucky Derby. Here, he gives instructions to his team against the Utah Valley Wolverines at Rupp Arena on November 18, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky.
8 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas did the Riders Up call at the 147th Kentucky Derby in 2021. Here he watches his horses train from the side of the track at Churchill Downs on April 23, 2021.
9 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Sean Payton, then-head coach of the New Orleans Saints, said 'Riders Up' in 2016. Here, he attends the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers as Denver Broncos head coach in 2025. Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
10 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Baker Mayfield called 'Riders Up' in 2019. Here, he and Emily Wilkinson walk the red carpet at the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2019.
11 / 11
These celebs, athletes have called 'Riders up!' at past Kentucky Derbys
Laila Ali, retired boxing champion, called 'Riders Up' in 2018. Here, she poses on the Derby red carpet on May 05, 2018.
