The 151st Kentucky Derby brought out all the athletes and celebrities (including Mark Pope)

The Kentucky Derby is the perfect opportunity to show out by dressing up in bright colors and big hats. And despite Mother Nature’s best efforts to keep spectators away from Churchill Downs, some of the most recognizable faces (both locally and nationally) around weren’t going to miss out on that.

This year’s race brought out plenty of stars, including Kentucky men’s basketball players Trent Noah, Kenny “Sky” Walker, and Oscar Tshiebwe. After making an appearance last year just weeks after being named Kentucky’s head coach, Mark Pope also made his return. Other celebrities included a lot of NFL players (hello, Will Levis and Wan’Dale Robinson!), even more social media influencers (mostly made up of names I did not know existed), and plenty of country music artists. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenburg and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also made the trip.

See who else has been wandering around the grounds throughout the day ahead of the 151st Kentucky Derby.

Mark Pope (basketball)

Trent Noah (basketball)

Trent Noah here at the Kentucky Derby!!! pic.twitter.com/YbydIpQ2HY

— Mario A Maitland (@MarioMaitland_3) May 3, 2025

Oscar Tshiebwe (basketball)

Former UK basketball player Oscar Tshiebwe rocking a cowboy hat pic.twitter.com/xuDEymZFy4

— Monica Kast (@monica_kast) May 3, 2025

Kenny “Sky” Walker (basketball)

Kenny “Sky” Walker made an appearance here at the Kentucky Derby!

The stars are coming out! pic.twitter.com/kqMyfEDxfm

— Mario A Maitland (@MarioMaitland_3) May 3, 2025

I caught up with Kenny “Sky” Walker at the Kentucky Derby

We talked about his first time at the Derby, Pope’s Wildcats, and fashion. pic.twitter.com/kc5mmKs1ij

— Mario A Maitland (@MarioMaitland_3) May 3, 2025

Will Levis (NFL)

Will Levis is wearing his Kentucky Blue! #BBN #KentuckyDerby #redcarpet pic.twitter.com/wlp0mrdyyn

— Madeline Carter (@WLKYMadeline) May 3, 2025

Wan’Dale Robinson & Jaxson Dart (NFL)

Wan’Dale Robinson with Jaxson Dart at the Kentucky Derby #KyDerby | #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/DL7QDUBTCB

— FanDuel (@FanDuel) May 3, 2025

Carmelo Anthony (basketball)

Andy Beshear (Governor)

Let’s show the world how special our home is, Kentucky. Happy Derby Day! pic.twitter.com/bEF3KMwISB

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) May 3, 2025

Simone Biles (gold medal gymnast) & Jonathan Owens (NFL)

Simone Biles hits the Kentucky Derby red carpet ahead of her Riders Up call! pic.twitter.com/oDO2CGWbxh

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) May 3, 2025

Xavier Legette (NFL)

Look who’s here! @XavierLegette, our fav horse-loving football star pic.twitter.com/qh82mFO9Dq

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 3, 2025

JD Shelburne (musician)

We are headed to our 12th @KentuckyDerby! My custom jacket designed by Brandi Bleemel-Doyle of Rooted Rebel Studio in my hometown of Taylorsville, KY!!! Amy’s fascinator by Scooter Ray Minyard!!!

Hosted by @Unbridled_Eve Derby Gala
Proud to be from Kentucky! pic.twitter.com/UnERBsS5bL

— JD Shelburne (@JDSHELBURNE) May 3, 2025

Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson x Kentucky Derby pic.twitter.com/oJpgWYUNYP

— Ty Spalding (@TySpalding) May 3, 2025

James Hetfield (musician)

For Whom The Bell Tolls!

We know who James Hetfield is rooting for in the Kentucky Derby. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/pNYl3hjjVm

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 3, 2025

Livvy Dunne (gymnast)

Livvy Dunne is Kentucky Derby ready pic.twitter.com/vPtHTeemI4

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 3, 2025

Guy Fieri (celebrity)

Iconic Guy Fieri moment on the red carpet. #KentuckyDerby151 pic.twitter.com/aGogWo1M9Z

— Madeline Carter (@WLKYMadeline) May 3, 2025

Shaboozey (musician)

Dang, Shaboozey is STYLIN! #KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/B29Je5gzQ9

— Madeline Carter (@WLKYMadeline) May 3, 2025

Chris Tucker (actor)

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