Kentucky Derby

Our Kentucky Derby ‘best-ofs’: From celebs to fashion to food and drink

Stories by Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, with AI summarization

Sovereignty’s win at the 151st Kentucky Derby capped a rainy, spirited day at Churchill Downs, where fans, athletes, and celebrities gathered despite the weather.

Derby fashion was on full display, with colorful custom-made hats and bright suits standing out in the crowd. Favorite food and drink offerings featured classics like the mint julep, unique paddle grill fare, and treats such as frozen cheesecake on a stick.

Notable attendees included Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, celebrity chef Guy Fieri and Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope, all adding to the Derby’s festive atmosphere. The experience was marked by tradition, style, and a diverse mix of celebrations from the red carpet to the paddock grill.

Oscar Tshiebwe, Alix Earle and Guy Fieri made appearances on the Kentucky Derby Red Carpet on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. By Matthew Mueller

NO. 1: SEE CELEBRITIES, ATHLETES WALK THE 2025 KENTUCKY DERBY RED CARPET

Former University of Kentucky athletes, Gov. Andy Beshear and celebrity chef Guy Fieri all made appearances on the red carpet Saturday. | Published May 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Monica Kast

Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is almost finished building his roster for the 2025-26 season. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 2: KENTUCKY BASKETBALL COACH MARK POPE IS AT THE 2025 KENTUCKY DERBY

For the second straight year, UK basketball coach Mark Pope is at the Kentucky Derby. | Published May 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Cameron Drummond

Bright clothing and fascinators brightened up a rainy 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., May 3, 2025. By Amy Wallot

NO. 3: SEE THE BEST OF 2025 KENTUCKY DERBY FASHION: SUITS, HATS AND DRESSES

Catch all the best styles the Kentucky Derby has to offer at Churchill Downs. | Published May 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Acquisto

Sovereignty with jockey Junior Alvarado up (18), left, celebrates after winning the Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. By Dexter Simms

NO. 4: OUR BEST PHOTOS, VIDEOS FROM KY DERBY 2025: SOVEREIGNTY’S WIN, FASHION, CELEBRITIES

Relive all the pageantry and spectacle of the 2025 Kentucky Derby with our best photos and videos from Churchill Downs. | Published May 3, 2025 | Read Full Story

The mint julep has served as an official, celebrated Kentucky Derby tradition for more than 80 years.

NO. 5: HERE WERE THE BEST FOOD AND DRINK EXPERIENCES AT THE 2025 KENTUCKY DERBY

What was good to eat and drink at the 151st Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs? | Published May 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Caroline Makauskas

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.