The Kentucky Derby has a long and storied history of celebrity appeal throughout the years of America’s greatest race. Celebrities from many different industries, including television, film, sports, fashion, business, and American politics attend the Derby each year. Churchill Downs has a special Red Carpet entrance for celebrity attendees and their guests, which is an area very popular for race goers to mingle near and see the stars arrive for the races. Celebrities of all types also mark their calendars to party on Kentucky Derby Eve, which puts the spotlight on Louisville the night before the world’s most famous horse race.
In 2007, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attended the the 133rd Run for the Roses and witnessed Street Sense wear the roses after capturing the Kentucky Derby with jockey Calvin Borel aboard. Seven United States Presidents have also attended the Derby in their lifetime.
A small list of the many recent celebrity and VIP attendees to the Kentucky Derby includes Erin Andrews, Guy Fieri, Niki Taylor, Adam Richman, Nora Roberts, Sarah Hughes, Taylor Dane, John Wall, Kate Gosselin, Lindsey Vonn, Josh Greer, Patrick Patterson, Maria Menounos, Travis Tritt, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Jordin Sparks, Rascal Flatts, Terrell Owens, Nick Lachey, Joey Fatone, Ashlee Simpson, Kevin Connolly, Larry Burkhead, Cal Ripken, Boyz II Men, Tom Brady, Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Jerry Jones, Paris Hilton, Brooke Shields, Chelsea Clinton, Hugh Hefner, Jerry O’Connell, Eddie Money, Chris Tucker, Michael Jordan, Molly Sims, Julius Erving, Warren Moon, Carson Daly, Bobby Flay.
