Here's who will say 'Riders Up' ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Derby
Before the start of the 2026 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, legendary Derby winning jockey Pat Day will announce "Riders Up" on NBC, indicating its time for the jockeys take their mounts for the 152nd Run for the Roses. Post time is 6:57 p.m. for the iconic horse race.
Day, who won the Kentucky Derby in 1992 aboard longshot Lil E. Tee, will enter the Paddock area of the track and command "Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment. Riders Up!" The command is a tradition where a designated person tells jockeys to prepare for the race.
The retired jockey was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1991. A bronze statue of Day, with his arms stretched up in celebration, can be found on the grounds of Churchill Downs.
Also on May 2, the Grammy Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band will perform the national anthem at the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
The premiere American blues rock group led by married couple Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks won the 2012 Grammy for Best Blues Album and is currently on tour with its latest album "Future Soul."
What other celebrities have commanded "Riders Up!" at the Kentucky Derby?
Numerous celebrities from the world of sports, music and television had have the honor of making the "Riders Up!" command ahead of the Kentucky Derby. They include:
- Simone Biles (2025)
- Martha Stewart (2024)
- Patrick Mahomes (2023)
- Jack Harlow (2022)
- D. Wayne Lukas (2021)
- Baker Mayfield (2019)
- Laila Ali (2018)
- Jeff Bridges (2017)
- Sean Peyton (2016)
- Teddy Bridgewater (2015)
- Julius Irving (2014)
- Charlie Strong (2013)
- John Calipari (2012)
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].