Do Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce own a horse in 2026 Kentucky Derby?

Editor's note: Follow coverage of the 2026 Kentucky Derby throughout the day.

For a time earlier this week, there was a 2026 Kentucky Derby favorite other than Renegade.

The Puma, a relatively inexperienced horse with a couple intriguing second-place finishes at major prep races, briefly rose to the top of the morning-line live odds for the first Triple Crown event of the year. It eventually settled back into the pack of contenders right behind Renegade based on odds for the wide-open field at the 152nd Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 2.

But the horse's momentary rise might have been sparked by a rumor that has picked up steam throughout Derby week. Did music superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce buy a stake in The Puma ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Derby? Will the power couple be in attendance at Churchill Downs for the first Triple Crown race of the year to watch this horse they may or may not be financially tied to now?

Those have been among the talking points around the track, and The Puma's owner didn't put the speculation to rest when he had the chance. Here's what to know about the potential connection between 2026 Kentucky Derby contender The Puma and the power couple of Swift and Kelce:

Do Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce own a Kentucky Derby horse?

There are certainly signs they could be partners in The Puma.

As speculation continued about Swift and Kelce possibly buying a stake in The Puma, the horse's co-owner Michael Iavarone issued several messages on social media this week that offered little clarity. He invited more rumors about the situation with mention of a non-disclosure agreement and multiple Swift references.

"OK people. Everyone asking me if Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are partners on The Puma," Iavarone wrote, "All I can say is I signed an NDA, so I can’t confirm or deny."

This wouldn't be Kelce's first foray into horse racing and his horse racing connections are tied to The Puma.

Kelce bought an ownership stake in a horse named Swift Delivery in August 2024 along with the Zoldan family. Phantom Fireworks founder Bruce Zoldan also bought a stake in The Puma last month, according to Bloodhorse.

The Kansas City Star reported Kelce is friends with Zoldan's son, Alex, and attended the 2024 Kentucky Derby with him.

Kentucky Derby 2026 live odds for The Puma

The Puma has 8-1 morning-line live odds for the 2026 Kentucky Derby as of 3:40 p.m. ET on Friday, May 1, according to kentuckyderby.com.

When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?

The 2026 Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, with broadcast coverage from Churchill Downs beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. Post time for the Triple Crown race is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET.

Kentucky Derby 2026: TV, streaming and where to watch

The 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026. The Kentucky Derby will be broadcast on NBC. Streaming options will be available on Peacock.

• Date: Saturday, May 2, 2025
• Coverage starts: 2:30 p.m. ET
• Post time: 6:57 p.m. ET
• Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
• TV: NBC
• Stream: Peacock