Who won Kentucky Derby? Inside Golden Tempo's win at Churchill Downs
Golden Tempo takes the win at the 152nd Kentucky Derby!
The Tedeschi Trucks Band performed the national anthem at the 152nd Kentucky Derby, eliciting mixed reactions from fans on social media. While some praised the performance, others were critical, particularly of the guitar accompaniment.
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The Tedeschi Trucks Band performed "The Star Spangled Banner" at Churchill Downs ahead of the 152nd Kentucky Derby around 5 p.m. on May 2. Fans took to social media shortly after the performance to share their thoughts about the the American blues rock group's rendition of the national anthem. Reviews were mostly mixed, but viewers had a lot to say about the performance. Here's what we know.
Very cool that the Kentucky Derby had a little Allman flavor w Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks for the National Anthem.
I love the #KentuckyDerby. pic.twitter.com/TKlutWcrg7
â DJ Otis Badass (@DJOtisBadass) May 2, 2026 W00t! to Susan Tedeschi that's gotta be the best version of the National Anthem ever.
â Jason Neely (@bondibox) May 2, 2026 THAT is how you do the National Anthem. It is not about you, but you do it exceptionally well. @DerekAndSusan
â CaptainTouchback (@CaptTouchback) May 2, 2026 @DerekAndSusan well done on The National Anthem!! #kyderby
â Van Winkle and the Spirits (@vanwinklemusic) May 2, 2026
Reactions were mixed, with some fans praising the performance as amazing, while others criticized it as a train wreck.
Some attendees noted that the Kentucky Derby is unique in that many did not remove their hats, with one user humorously pointing out that fascinators are not technically hats.
Critics specifically mentioned the electric guitar as a major flaw, stating it made the anthem sound terrible and suggesting refunds for attendees.
Golden Tempo takes the win at the 152nd Kentucky Derby!
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Gonna be honest. The national anthem sucked.
â Philip Pendleton (@philmoneymanagr) May 2, 2026 The Tedeschi Trucks Band just performed the National Anthem at the Kentucky Derby. Why? What a train wreck!
â Dan (@Blue\_Cat\_X) May 2, 2026 The Kentucky Derby National Anthem performance SUCKED!!
â Bryan Gaming Journalist (@BryanApplegate5) May 2, 2026
@ChurchillDowns the electric guitar made that national anthem sound terrible I mean absolutely horrendous. I mean they should refund every ticket. They was so bad and pay the debt. They owe America for putting that performance together for the Kentucky Derby.
â Matthew Abramson (@MatthewAbr81822) May 2, 2026
Apparently the Kentucky Derby is the only place you don't have to remove your hat for the National Anthem #DerbyDayLive
â J.Allen (@Bu83Ja) May 2, 2026 Why arenât people removing their hats at the Kentucky Derby for the National Anthem?!
â Jeremy Brokate (@JeremyBrokate) May 2, 2026
Kentucky Derby Announcer: Please stand and remove your hats for the National Anthem.
Every woman in attendance m: ummm, itâs glued to my head.
â Christopher Harkey (@ccharkey17) May 2, 2026 **Read more:** Here's who sang the national anthem at the Kentucky Derby in past years *Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@indystar.com. Follow her on Bluesky, Twitter and Instagram.* *This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Derby fans react to Tedeschi Trucks Band's national anthem performance*