Pat Day calls 'Riders Up' at Kentucky Derby: What to know about jockey

Yahoo Sports2h ago32 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Pat Day, the legendary jockey, called 'Riders Up' at the 2026 Kentucky Derby, a traditional command for jockeys to mount their horses. Day, who won the Derby in 1992, is honored with a statue at Churchill Downs.

Key points

Pat Day called 'Riders Up' at the 2026 Kentucky Derby
He won the Derby in 1992 aboard Lil E. Tee
Day holds every career jockey record at Churchill Downs
A life-sized statue of Day is located at the racetrack

Mentioned in this story

Pat DayChurchill Downs

Lil E. TeeKentucky Derby

Before the 2026 Kentucky Derby started on Saturday, May 2, jockeys received a command to mount up from someone who had been in their shoes.

Pat Day, the legendary jockey who won the 1992 Kentucky Derby aboard longshot Lil E. Tee, delivered the traditional "Riders Up" call in the Churchill Downs paddock ahead of this year's Derby.

The "Riders Up" call is typically reserved for celebrities who don't necessarily have direct ties to horse racing. But it's a fittingly iconic honor for Day, who still holds every career jockey record at Churchill Downs and is depicted in a life-sized bronze statue at the racetrack.

The statue recreates a famous photo of Day taken immediately after his Derby win, when the jockey stood in his bright red, polka-dotted silk with his arms outstretched and thanked God.

Hats off to the fashionistas of the Kentucky Derby.

As part of the tradition of the annual horse race, several attendees sport elaborate headpieces to complement their derby attire.

Scroll through for photos of the best hats from the 152nd Kentucky Derby, starting with attendee Ashlyn Roberts, who donned a chic crimson hat during Thurby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 30, 2026.

A Kentucky Derby attendee shows off their hat during Thurby during the 152nd Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2026.

Q&A

Who is Pat Day and what is his significance in horse racing?

Pat Day is a legendary jockey known for winning the Kentucky Derby in 1992 aboard Lil E. Tee and holds multiple career records at Churchill Downs.

What does the 'Riders Up' call signify at the Kentucky Derby?

'Riders Up' is a traditional command given to jockeys to mount their horses before the race begins.

When did Pat Day deliver the 'Riders Up' call at the Kentucky Derby?

Pat Day delivered the 'Riders Up' call at the 2026 Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026.

What is the significance of the statue of Pat Day at Churchill Downs?

The statue of Pat Day at Churchill Downs commemorates his iconic Derby win and his contributions to horse racing, depicting him in his famous racing silks.