Livvy Dunne and Simone Biles Shine at the 2025 Kentucky Derby Weekend
The atmosphere at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, was electric as the 2025 Kentucky Derby weekend kicked off with the 151st running of the Kentucky Oaks. Adding a touch of celebrity sparkle to the time-honored tradition, former LSU gymnast and NIL trailblazer Livvy Dunne and Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles were on hand to participate in the festivities. Dunne, fresh off her retirement from collegiate gymnastics, had the honor of giving the prestigious "Riders Up" call ahead of the Oaks race, while Biles was slated to do the same before the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
The Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, two of the oldest continuously running sporting events in the United States, hold a special place in American culture. The Oaks, held annually on the Friday before the Derby, is a celebration of female athleticism in the equine world, while the Derby, known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," is a showcase of speed and stamina for male thoroughbreds.
Livvy Dunne’s presence at the Kentucky Oaks added a modern, youthful energy to the event. The former LSU Tiger, known for her incredible gymnastics skills and her groundbreaking success in the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, has become a prominent figure in the world of sports and entertainment. Her decision to retire from gymnastics after five seasons at LSU marked a turning point in her career, and she has since expressed a desire to explore new opportunities and ventures.
For the Kentucky Oaks, Dunne embraced the Derby’s traditional fashion, donning a chic pink fascinator and a matching mini dress with playful ruffles on the shoulders. As she took to the microphone to deliver the "Riders Up" call, her enthusiasm was palpable. "Kentucky Oaks fans, now for the annual tradition we have all been looking forward to, Riders Up!" Dunne exclaimed, signaling the jockeys to mount their horses and prepare for the race.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the horses and jockeys made their way onto the track. The anticipation was high as the starting gate opened and the fillies thundered down the homestretch. In the end, it was Good Cheer who emerged victorious, claiming the title of Kentucky Oaks champion.
The celebration of female athletes continued as all eyes looked towards the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, where Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles was set to give the "Riders Up" call. Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, has captivated audiences with her incredible talent, strength, and grace. Her presence at the Derby was another testament to the power and influence of female athletes in the world of sports.
The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are distinct events, with key differences in their format and purpose. While both races feature three-year-old thoroughbreds, the Kentucky Oaks is exclusively for fillies, while the Kentucky Derby is for colts and geldings. The Kentucky Oaks is run at a distance of 1⅛ miles, while the Kentucky Derby is slightly longer at 1¼ miles. The weights carried by the horses also differ, with fillies carrying 121 pounds in the Oaks and colts and geldings carrying 126 pounds in the Derby.
The purse sizes for the two races also reflect their differing status. The Kentucky Derby boasts a $5 million purse, with $1.86 million going to the winner, while the Kentucky Oaks has a $1.5 million purse, with $750,000 awarded to the champion.
In addition to the sporting events, the Kentucky Derby weekend is known for its rich traditions and cultural significance. From the elaborate hats and dresses worn by attendees to the mint juleps sipped throughout the day, the Derby is a celebration of Southern charm and elegance.
Before the Kentucky Oaks race, the crowd was treated to a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Gina Miles, the winner of season 23 of NBC’s "The Voice." Miles’s powerful vocals added to the sense of patriotism and excitement that filled the air.
As the Kentucky Derby weekend continued, the focus shifted to the main event on Saturday. Grammy-nominated artist Grace Potter was slated to perform the national anthem ahead of the Derby race, adding to the star-studded lineup of performers and celebrities in attendance.
The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks remain cornerstones of American sporting culture, attracting fans from all walks of life. The combination of thrilling horse racing, high fashion, and celebrity appearances makes for an unforgettable experience. With Livvy Dunne and Simone Biles adding their star power to the event, the 2025 Kentucky Derby weekend was one for the ages.
The USA TODAY app provided comprehensive coverage of the Kentucky Derby weekend, delivering up-to-the-minute news, scores, and analysis. With award-winning journalism, engaging crosswords, immersive audio storytelling, and the eNewspaper, the app kept fans connected to all the excitement of the Derby.
