Media mogul Martha Stewart almost forgets home of Kentucky Derby ... it’s not Connecticut!

Media mogul and lifestyles guru Martha Stewart had the honor of giving the annual “Riders up!” call for jockeys to take their mounts at the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, but she almost got the state wrong.

“Racing fans from around the world, the city of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Conn— Kentucky,” Stewart said as she laughingly acknowledged her gaffe before going on to welcome racing attendees.

It didn’t take long for social media to be flooded with jokes about Stewart’s brief blunder.

“Well Martha Stewart’s never allowed back in the state,” one user wrote on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.

“I think Martha Stewart was hitting the mint julep!” another commented.

“Martha Stewart - you had ONE job…” quipped another.

Super Bowl-winning quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes, did the honors last year, and was panned for mispronouncing Louisville. (Pro tip: It’s not “Lou-i-ville”.)

Louisville rapper Jack Harlow gave the announcement in 2022, and he had no problems pronouncing his hometown.

This story was originally published May 4, 2024 at 7:35 PM.

Karla Ward

Lexington Herald-Leader

859-379-5361

Karla Ward is a native of Logan County who has worked as a reporter at the Herald-Leader since 2000. She covers breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription