As the sun rose over Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the 152nd Kentucky Derby was about to begin. But before the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd, there was a moment of pure tradition—and a familiar voice echoing through the paddock.
Legendary jockey Pat Day, who captured the 1992 Kentucky Derby aboard the longshot Lil E. Tee, stepped up to deliver the iconic "Riders Up" call. For those new to Derby lore, that command signals jockeys to mount their horses—a moment that sets the stage for the race of a lifetime.
While the "Riders Up" honor is often given to celebrities without deep ties to horse racing, Day is the perfect exception. He still holds every career jockey record at Churchill Downs, and his legacy is cast in bronze—literally. A life-sized statue of Day stands at the track, recreating the famous moment after his Derby win when he stood in his bright red, polka-dotted silk, arms outstretched, thanking heaven.
It was a fitting tribute for a man who knows the weight of those silks, the tension of the starting gate, and the thrill of crossing the finish line first in the most famous two minutes in sports.
Of course, the Kentucky Derby isn't just about the horses and jockeys. It's also a runway for some of the most creative fashion you'll see all year. Hats—elaborate, bold, and unapologetically over-the-top—are as much a part of the tradition as mint juleps and "My Old Kentucky Home."
During Thurby on April 30, 2026, attendees brought their A-game. Ashlyn Roberts turned heads in a chic crimson hat. Courtney Cox of Louisville went floral with a giant flower-topped masterpiece. Amber Kuntz posed for photos in a look that screamed Derby chic. And pairs of friends showed off their matching headwear, proving that at the Derby, your hat is your statement.
Whether you're channeling Pat Day's iconic red polka dots or crafting your own Derby look, one thing is certain: the Kentucky Derby is a celebration of speed, style, and tradition—and this year, it started with a call from a true champion.