The Celebs You Could See at the 2024 Kentucky Derby

For any fan of horseracing the first Saturday in May is something of a red letter day. That’s because it sees the running of the legendary Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

Open to the twenty horses who have earned a place in the race by previous results, the race has been described as “the most exciting two minutes in sports”. There’s no denying that the sight of the fine thoroughbred horses galloping around the 11/4 mile circuit in pursuit of the $3 million first prize is an exhilarating experience.

As well as being a thrilling sporting experience, it’s also one that is rich with tradition. For example, each year the winning horse is covered by the famous blanket festooned with 40 pounds of roses, the racing equivalent of the green jacket that the winning golfer of The Masters has the honor of wearing.

It’s also famous for its food and drink. There’s burgoo, a rich stew of beef, chicken, pork and assorted vegetables that’s far more delicious than the name suggests. For drink, the classic southern beverage of mint julep is the star. A tantalizing blend of bourbon, mint and sugar syrup literally thousands of gallons are made and consumed at the race meeting each year.

Naturally, such a high profile and historic event attracts a good number of A-listers and other celebrities drawn from the sports, music and media worlds. As 2024 sees the 150th running of the race it’s likely to be an even more star-studded event than ever. So however the Kentucky Derby odds are moving for the horses, the likelihood of seeing its biggest-ever line-up of VIP guests must be high.

Catch them on the official red carpet, or book your tickets for the legendary Barnstaple Brown Gala and you could even find yourself rubbing shoulders with many familiar faces.

It’s party time!

The gala is a legendary party that is held each year on the eve of the race. Essentially designed to raise money for charity, it’s hosted by twin sisters Patricia and Priscilla Barnstaple Brown and has been named by Condé Nast as one of the “Ten Best Parties in the World”.

Tickets are undeniably expensive but you’re promised a night of surprises at the exclusive black-tie event. With famous musicians like Gene Simmons, Boys II Men and Jennifer Nettles having attended in the past, you never know who’s going to jump up on stage to perform.

It’s also the perfect prelude to the race day itself when you’ll be seeing even more celebs. We can’t say who, exactly. But all of these attended last year and may well be back for the 150th anniversary.

From the world of music

Each year a different celebrity is invited to start proceedings with the national anthem. This year’s singer won’t be announced until nearer the time but in the past names like Leann Rimes and Mary J. Blige have performed.

Music also plays an important part in the run-up to the off. The horses are readied for the race when Call to the Post is played by the Churchill Downs official bugler Steve Buttleman. Then, as they parade, My Old Kentucky Home is given a stirring rendition by the University of Louisville’s Cardinal Marching Band.

In terms of celebs just there for the racing and socializing, last year saw Motown legend Smokey Robinson along with singer Macy Grey.

They were joined by the singer, songwriter and model Rachel Platten on the red carpet as well as by the country and western singer Billy Gillman whose career was launched by his very successful run on The Voice in 2016 in which he was the eventual runner-up.

Sports stars in the stands

It also comes as no big surprise that there are plenty of sports stars attracted by the biggest event on the horseracing calendar.

Last year there were titans of the football field including Patrick Mahomes, no doubt enjoying a little R and R during the off season. He was also joined by ex-players from an earlier era, Emmitt Smith and Warren Moon who finished his long and successful career with Mahomes’ own team, the Kansas City Chiefs.

From the world of baseball there was the Red Sox player Pat Light and the world of Indy car racing was represented by driver Marcus Erickson.

Entertainment and media

Equally well represented were the worlds of entertainment and media, and no doubt they will be again this year. 2023 saw the attendance father and son actors Robert and Chris Pine – Captain James T Kirk in the reboot of Star Trek. There was also the Teen Wolf actor Ian Bohen and producer Larry Birkhead.

As to who’ll be here again this year, and who the new arrivals will be, we’ll just have to wait until Saturday May 4 to discover.