“Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment,” Biles stated before leaning forward and saying “riders up” and blowing a kiss to the crowd. But this was only one aspect of her presence in the Kentucky Derby. From head-turning fashion to heartfelt personal revelations, the most decorated gymnast in history made her presence known at Churchill Downs in ways that extended far beyond the famed “Riders Up” call. What were these moments?
While in Kentucky, Biles’ Derby wardrobe was a masterclass in elegance with an edge. For the Barnstable Brown Gala, the night before the derby, on May 2, Biles wore a strapless cream mini dress with a structured bodice and subtle sheen, tailored for a sleek, sculpted silhouette. The dress featured clean lines and a slightly curved neckline. She styled it with sheer black tights and black opera-length gloves, black fascinator with feathered accents completed the ensemble. On the day of the Derby, she twinned with her husband.
The Olympian, attending her first Derby, wore a lavender dress and matching hat as she made the call for riders to jump aboard their horses moments before the race started at about 6 p.m. The lavender dress – minidress, embellished with crystals, was complemented by a matching hat. Her dress was a statement at the derby, going perfectly with the pastel theme of the event, and the hat was another one of its classic characteristics. Owens donned a lavender jacket and hat, along with a white shirt and cream-colored pants.
In an interview, she was asked for the inspiration for her dress. Answering this, she told, “there was no real inspiration besides Jonathan picked his outfit first and then I got with my stylist Monica and I was like ‘oh my gosh, Jonathan’s wearing lavender so maybe we do something with that to match.’ Talking of the couple, they also opened up about their plans as a couple. “Building a family” was Simone Biles’ reply when she and her husband were asked what their couple goals were.
“I’ve always wanted to be a mother, have kids. And just like him, he’s always wanted to be a dad. So it’s just really exciting,” she said in an interview the day of the race. She also talked of her kids inheriting her gymnastics legacy. Speaking of gymnastics, while Biles might not have been the first gymnast in the Kentucky horse races, as Olivia Dunne gave the “Riders Up” call in the Kentucky Oaks on May 2nd.
But Biles was the first gymnast ever to be at the Kentucky Derby and also the first to give the “Riders Up” call in the event. Dunne was also present in the derby, she served as a celebrity host in Sports Illustrated’s exclusive Club SI, a luxury hospitality area at the track. While Dunne is going to be there with SI for while, what is next for Simone?
Simone Biles’ next stop
After her experience at the 2025 Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Simone Biles is set to attend the 2025 Met Gala in New York City on May 5. She and her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, are part of the host committee for this year’s event, which celebrates the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.
The dress code, Tailored for You, invites guests to explore personalized interpretations of Black dandyism, focusing on the evolution of Black men’s fashion from the 18th century to the present. Previously, Biles attended the 2021 Met Gala, where she wore a custom gown by AREA and Athleta.
The ensemble featured a black bodysuit adorned with star details, a mini dress underneath, and a detachable skirt covered in Swarovski crystals, weighing 88 pounds. The design, inspired by Josephine Baker, aimed to capture the blend of performance, strength, and beauty, reflecting Biles’s achievements and resilience.
The post All the Secrets Behind Simone Biles’ Extravagant Kentucky Derby Look — Beyond the Iconic ‘Riders Up’ Call appeared first on EssentiallySports.