Simone Biles and Livvy Dunne Set to Star at the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Oaks
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will feature a notable appearance by Simone Biles, an esteemed gymnast with a remarkable history in the sport. Following her impressive performance at the 2024 Olympic Games, where she secured four medals, Biles’s presence will add a unique charm to the upcoming event at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, scheduled for May 3, 2025.
Simone Biles: A Champion in More Than Gymnastics
Simone Biles, a distinguished athlete with a total of 11 Olympic medals, including 7 golds, is gearing up to issue the “Rider Up” command to the 18 jockeys participating in the prestigious event. This moment marks a significant departure from Biles’s athletic routine, showcasing her versatility as she steps into the horseracing arena.
Her extraordinary journey in gymnastics includes not only Olympic accolades but also a staggering tally of 30 World Championship medals. Biles continues to inspire many, seamlessly transitioning from athletic champion to a figure in the world of sports beyond gymnastics.
Livvy Dunne to Command Kentucky Oaks
In tandem with Biles’s Derby appearance, Livvy Dunne, a rising star and gymnast at LSU known for her social media influence, will lead the field as she gives the “Rider Up” command for the 2025 Kentucky Oaks on May 2nd. This race, a prominent event for three-year-old fillies, showcases the talent and potential of young horses in the racing world.
Dunne ranks among the top athletes in collegiate sports, particularly excelling in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, having amassed earnings exceeding $4.1 million. Her foray into the Derby landscape highlights the growing intersection of athletics and entertainment.
A Tradition of Celebrities at the Derby
The Kentucky Derby has a rich tradition of celebrity guests issuing the iconic “Rider Up” command. Previous figures who have participated include:
- John Calipari (2012)
- Charlie Strong (2013)
- Julius Irving (2014)
- Teddy Bridgewater (2015)
- Sean Peyton (2016)
- Jeff Bridges (2017)
- Laila Ali (2019)
- Baker Mayfield (2019)
- D. Wayne Lukas (2021)
- Jack Harlow (2023)
- Patrick Mahomes (2024)
As the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, the excitement generated by athletes like Biles and Dunne introduces a new dynamic to these celebrated equestrian events, blending sportsmanship and entertainment in a way that captivates audiences worldwide.