Your guide to 10 influencers who will be at the 2026 Kentucky Derby

• Churchill Downs is utilizing national and local content creators to promote the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
• The influencer lineup includes creators focused on culinary, fashion, lifestyle, and equestrian content.
• Celebrity guests like Nate Burleson, Camille Kostek, and the stars of Hallmark's "Kentucky Roses" will also attend.
• A "Derby At-Home" team, led by cookbook author Caroline Chambers, will help fans celebrate from anywhere.

As the 2026 Kentucky Derby gallops into view, Churchill Downs is once again betting big on the power of the internet.

This year, the historic track is leaning into a roster of national and digital content creators to push Kentucky Derby Week’s magic far beyond Louisville’s borders and into the social media feeds of millions.

Churchill Downs' Director of Marketing, Michelle Walkup, told The Courier Journal that assembling the 2026 influencer and content creator lineup is no small task.

“There is a substantial amount of work that goes into who we want to work with each year,” Walkup said. “Some of them are people we have worked with before. Some are new, and we think they fit the character and the vibe of what the event is about.”

This year’s Derby At-Home Ambassador team — a culinary‑driven slate of content creators — is headlined by Caroline Chambers, The New York Times bestselling cookbook author and recipe developer tapped to curate the 2026 Kentucky Derby At‑Home menu.

The 2026 team also includes Xandy Sutherland Nickel, Miguel Buencamino, and Julie Sousa, each bringing their own flavor to the Derby’s signature blend of tradition and celebration.

“For our Derby At-home content, we partnered with people we knew could help create the kind of content that shows how to make a home Derby party held anywhere in the world, amazing,” Walkup said.

Beyond the kitchen, Churchill Downs is also bringing in national fashion, lifestyle and equestrian creators — Allie Provost and Griffin Johnson, who will capture Kentucky Derby Week from inside the track. Johnson should be a familiar name to many, as he is part-owner of Sandman, a prominent 2025 Kentucky Derby contender, and Silent Tactic, trained by Mark Casse, who has qualified for the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

Sports Illustrated celebrity guests Nate Burleson and Camille Kostek, both with sizable online followings, are expected to draw major attention to event, as well. Also, look for the stars of the new Hallmark film "Kentucky Roses," Andrew Walker and Odette Annabel, who will add a touch of Hollywood charm as they share their own Derby experiences.

Walker told The Courier Journal this will be his second trip to the Kentucky Derby and Annabel said she is anxious to experience the bucket list event for the first time.

"I am such a fashion lover, so I am really looking forward to seeing what people are wearing," Annabel told The Courier Journal. "Obviously I want to watch the horse races but really I could sit and people watch and be so entertained."

Churchill Downs has also teamed up with a slate of local creators — people the track says embody the spirit and personality of each day at Churchill Downs, from Opening Night, held on April 25 through Thurby, held on April 30.

Together, the eclectic mix of influencers and content creators for the 2026 event is poised to carry the story of the 152nd Kentucky Derby to audiences far beyond the grandstand.

Here is the list of content creators and special guests Churchill Downs is working with to spread the thrill of Kentucky Derby Week 2026.

National influencers coming to Churchill Downs for 2026 Kentucky Derby

Allie Provost

Instagram: @allieprovost, 118k followers; TikTok: @allie.provost, 457k followers

Allie is a 32-year-old TikTok sensation known for posting about her life as a fashion photographer in New York City. She has over 455,000 followers and more than 10 million likes on TikTok. By flaunting her 500-square-foot Upper East Side apartment, surrounded by hundreds of designer shoes and handbags, Provost has become TikTok’s Carrie Bradshaw.

Griffin Johnson

Instagram: @imgriffinjohnson, 2.6M followers, TikTok @imgriffinjohnson, 9.6M followers

Griffin Johnson is a top digital creator and horse racing minority owner who has brought unprecedented youth engagement and visibility to the sport through social media. Johnson rose to fame on TikTok for authentic lifestyle content and now leverages his platform to connect younger audiences with horse racing. A minority owner of Sandman, a Tapit colt with West Point Thoroughbreds, Griffin documented his journey from the colt's Churchill Downs debut to the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

Nate Burleson

Instagram: @nateburleson, 233k followers; TikTok: @nateburleson, 35.3k followers

Although not one of Churchill Downs' official influencer partners, you can bet any post made by the co-host of "CBS Mornings" will generate massive page views. The former NFL wide receiver, who played for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions, is a special guest of Sports Illustrated and will be at Churchill Downs on Derby Day. Burleson is also a key contributor on NFL coverage for CBS and Nickelodeon.

Camille Kostek

Instagram: @camillekostek, 1.06M followers; TikTok @camillekostek, 514k follower

Camille Kostek is an American model, television host, and former NFL cheerleader best known for her work with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, where she became a cover model in 2019 after first winning the magazine’s Swim Search open casting call. She has hosted shows like "Wipeout" and built a strong social media presence, while also being widely recognized for her long -term relationship with NFL star Rob Gronkowski. Kostek will be a guest of Sports Illustrated on Kentucky Oaks Day, held Friday, May 1 at Churchill Downs.

Andrew Walker

Instagram: awalkk35, 211k followers

Andrew Walker is a Canadian actor best known for his long standing work with the Hallmark Channel. Walker stars in the new Hallmark movie "Kentucky Rose," which was filmed at Churchill Downs and is set to premiere at 8 p.m. on May 2 to coincide with the Kentucky Derby.

Odette Annabel

Instagram: @odetteannable, 465k followers

Odette Annable is an American actress known for her work in both television and film. She gained early recognition for roles in movies like "Cloverfield" and "The Unborn" and later built a strong TV career with appearances in series such as "House," "Breaking In," and "Supergirl," where she played the villain Reign. She is the lead actress in the new Hallmark “Kentucky Roses,” which was filmed, in part, at Churchill Downs.

Louisville influencers coming to Churchill Downs for 2026 Kentucky Derby

Opening Day, April 25: DateListLou

Instagram: @datelistlou, 76k followers; TikTok: @datelistlou, 21k followers

DateListLou is a social media account run by Amy Czerwonka and Aaron DuVall. The Louisville couple curate and share date night ideas, restaurant reviews, and local experiences. They focus on documenting their adventures in Louisville and Southern Indiana to help others find unique spots.

Sunday Funday, April 26: Chet & Family

Instagram: @chetandfamily, 3k followers; TikTok @chetandfamily, 35.1k followers

Chet & Family is a Louisville-based, Kentucky-focused digital creator brand specializing in food, experiences, and family-friendly events. They recently hosted the first Fall Foodie Festival in October 2025 at Derby Park Flea Market featuring local food trucks, live music, and activities. While they are traditionally known for more of their food reviews, they also share “Mom’s Day Out” content and additional family experiences.

Winsday, April 29: Israel McCullough

Instagram: @spacecowboy_af, 34.2k followers; TikTok: @spacecowboy_af, 1.5k followers

Israel McCullough, known as @spaceboycowboy_af, is a fashion, food, and lifestyle content creator based in Louisville, who describes his presence as “always a vibe.” His feed blends stylish fashion looks with local culinary finds and lifestyle inspiration, offering followers a curated glimpse into both his personal style and the culture of his city.

Thurby, April 30: Megan Dayne

Instagram: @meginlouisville, 38.8k followers; TikTok: @megandayne,12.8k followers

Megan Dayne regularly posts about her favorite local spots like patios, brunch venues, and fun restaurants. Her content offers a genuine guide to Louisville’s lifestyle and dining scene. Notably, she mixes in glimpses of personal routines like “getting your ears pierced” at a local shop or starting the day with a fun breakfast and lighthearted takes on working from home as the seasons change.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].