Last updated on: May 8, 2026
The Kentucky Derby this year was amazing! This was the 152nd running, which took place on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs. Golden Tempo won the race, as he managed to run from last place to first in the final stretch. Cherie DeVaux made history by becoming the first woman trainer to win the Derby.
So, yes, it was quite an adrenaline-rushing race. At one point, three horses were fighting for the win. But as we all know, the Kentucky Derby is not only about the race. It’s also about the overall experience, the red carpet, the celebrities, and the fashion.
Fortunately, plenty of celebrities attended this year’s exciting race. So, let’s find out who showed up.
Neil Patrick Harris Brought the “Derby Regular” Energy
There is no doubt that Neil Patrick Harris was one of the most recognizable names spotted at Churchill Downs, attending with his husband, David Burtka. And honestly, they fit the Derby scene well.
Some celebrities look like they just realized the event has a dress code five minutes before arriving. Well, not him. They both wore a floral-patterned suit. Harris went for the safer approach, while his husband David went with shorts, which was quite a bold move for the Kentucky Derby. With that said, the shorts matched his blazer pattern, and he looked good.
Shorts? On a prestigious race like the Kentucky Derby? Hmm… maybe fashion is changing.
The Lexington Herald-Leader listed Harris and Burtka among the famous faces on the 2026 Derby red carpet, and CBS also featured them in its Derby fashion coverage.
Nicole Scherzinger Understood the Assignment
Another celebrity that we were surprised to see was Nicole Scherzinger. She was the main highlight in the celebrity roundups. E! Highlighted here is a black-and-white polka dot dress with an impressive hat.
She wore one of the most striking and beautiful outfits, and even Page Six included her among the best celebrity looks from the day.
Not boring. Not too safe. Not something that looks like it accidentally wandered in from a business conference.
Lance Bass and Joey Fatone Added the Pop Nostalgia
We can all agree that there is something very nerdy about seeing former NSYNC members on the red carpet.
Lance Bass attended with Michael Turchin, while Joey Fatone was also spotted at Churchill Downs with a mint-colored dress, which was honestly quite striking when the flashes were taking pictures. Nevertheless, they both looked great!
This isn’t their first rodeo. They are regulars at the Kentucky Derby. With the Preakness Stakes as the second leg of the Triple Crown races, we shouldn’t be too surprised if they go to Laurel Park in Maryland. The Preakness Stakes 2026 is scheduled for May 16, and this will be another star-studded event for sure.
Anthony Ramos Went Bold With Color
Anthony Ramos was another celebrity who stood out on Derby Day. E! noted that he wore a bright purple blazer with a pink tie and blue trousers, which sounds like a lot on paper, but this is the Derby. “A lot” is basically part of the dress code.
Purple and violet might be the new color trend, especially purple, for this spring. And that’s the beauty of this event.
At most sports events, showing up in a purple blazer and pink tie might feel like you’re doing too much. At the Kentucky Derby, it feels like you understand the assignment. Maybe even got extra credit.
Bill Belichick Was There Too
Bill Belichick attended the 2026 Kentucky Derby with Jordan Hudson, according to the Herald-Leader’s red-carpet coverage. He was also part of the Derby/Oaks celebrity conversation during the weekend.
Now, Belichick at the Derby is an interesting sight because he’s not exactly known for high-fashion chaos. This is a man whose usual brand is “football genius dressed like he might be fixing a garage door.”
Rob Gronkowski and the Sports Crowd Showed Up
The 2026 Derby also had plenty of sports figures, including Rob Gronkowski and Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon. The Herald-Leader photographed both on Derby Day, and Yahoo! also highlighted sports celebrity sightings from the event.
Again, not for fashion. He appeared with a baseball cap. Sorry, Rob, but that wasn’t a good move; it doesn’t matter if you’re an athlete or not. He should have taken notes from Tom Brady’s Kentucky Derby appearances in terms of fashion.
Sue Bird Added Another Big Sports Name
Sue Bird was also photographed at the 2026 Kentucky Derby. CBS included her in its Derby celebrity and fashion coverage, and People also mentioned her among the famous attendees at the event.
This is another example of why the Derby is different from most horse racing events.
Joe Burrow Made It a Very Busy Weekend
Joe Burrow was also part of the Derby weekend scene. People reported that he attended the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Eve party on May 1 with Olivia Ponton and was at Churchill Downs the following day for the Derby. Vanity Fair also noted that Burrow’s weekend included the Kentucky Derby before he headed into a high-profile stretch that included the Miami Grand Prix and the Met Gala.
Now, that is a schedule.
Derby weekend, Formula 1, and the Met Gala.
Chaka Khan, Richie Sambora, and the Music Side of Derby Weekend
The music crowd was strong too.
Chaka Khan was photographed at Churchill Downs on Derby Day, while Richie Sambora attended the Derby and performed during Derby weekend festivities. People reported that Sambora performed at the 2026 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, and the Herald-Leader also noted his presence at Churchill Downs.
Star Jones, Lorrie Morgan, and Miss America Cassie Donegan
The Derby also brought out Star Jones, country singer Lorrie Morgan, and 2026 Miss America Cassie Donegan. The Herald-Leader included all three in its red carpet coverage, and Miss America’s official site had previously announced Donegan as part of the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala guest list.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Kentucky Derby gave us a little bit of everything. We got to see a historic win by Golden Tempo, an exciting race, big fashion swings, athletes in suits, and musicians on red carpets.
That’s why this event is so special. It’s not just the race day, it’s the entire cultural weekend.
