The Kentucky Derby usually belongs to the horses. It’s their day. But on May 3, 2025, the 151st Run for the Roses felt a lot more like a gymnastics meet. Or maybe a fashion gala. Honestly, it was a bit of both. Simone Biles at Kentucky Derby wasn't just another celebrity sighting; it was a full-on cultural takeover at Churchill Downs.
People expected the hats. They expected the mint juleps. What they didn't see coming was the sheer gravity of Biles stepping into a role that has nothing to do with floor routines or balance beams.
The "Riders Up" Moment Nobody Expected
If you aren't a horse racing nerd, you might not know what "Riders Up" even means. Basically, it’s the official signal for jockeys to mount their horses. It used to be a job for the Paddock Judge. Then, in 2012, Churchill Downs started inviting celebrities to do it. We've seen Patrick Mahomes and Martha Stewart take the mic, but Biles brought a different kind of energy.
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She stood there, barely 4-foot-8, commanding a track full of thousand-pound thoroughbreds.
"Riders up!"
Short. Sweet. Iconic.
It happened around 6:38 p.m. ET, just minutes before the main event. While some fans were just there for the gambling, the crowd's reaction to Simone was loud. Really loud. It’s funny because Biles has mentioned before how rare it is for her and her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, to be in the same room for a big event. Their schedules are usually a nightmare. This time, though, they were perfectly in sync.
That Lilac Dress: A Breakdown of the Slay
Let’s talk about the outfit. You’ve seen the photos, but the details matter. Simone wore a custom lilac mini dress. It wasn’t just "purple"—it was bedazzled to the heavens with crystals and rhinestones.
Her fascinator?
Massive. It had these dramatic feathers that gave off serious Southern belle vibes.
Jonathan Owens didn't just stand in the background, either. He leaned into the theme with a paisley lavender blazer and a purple fedora. It was a "Black love" matching moment that basically broke the internet for a few hours. They looked like royalty, but the kind of royalty that actually likes each other.
Why Lavender?
People keep asking why she chose that specific shade. In the racing world, pastels are the law. But for Simone, it felt like a soft-life era flex. She’s spent years in chalk-covered leotards. Seeing her in a strapless, high-fashion gown is a reminder that she’s transitioned from "the gymnast" to a global icon.
On Derby Eve, they hit the Barnstable Brown Gala. She swapped the lilac for a cream strapless dress with black tights and a Givenchy necklace. Very Audrey Hepburn. Very Breakfast at Tiffany's.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby Controversy?
Okay, maybe "controversy" is a strong word. But some old-school racing fans were a bit salty about the celebrity focus. They want to talk about "Sovereignty" (the horse that actually won). They want to talk about bloodlines and track conditions.
But here’s the reality: Simone Biles brings eyeballs to a sport that desperately needs them.
When Biles posted her Derby snaps on Instagram, her "face card" was the talk of the comments. Fans were calling it "wifey energy." Some people even noticed her necklace, which featured Owens' last name. It was a subtle nod to her marriage that fans obsessed over.
The "Two Minutes" Question
During an interview with Access Hollywood on the red carpet, someone asked Simone what the most exciting two minutes of her life were.
You’d think she’d say winning Olympic gold. Or maybe landing the Yurchenko double pike.
Nope.
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She said marrying Jonathan. Honestly, that’s the most "human" thing about her. Despite having 41 medals across World Championships and the Olympics, she’s still just a person who’s hyped about her husband. Jonathan, for his part, said his favorite two minutes were the ones right before he proposed, trying to keep his cool.
Beyond the Track: What This Means for Biles
Simone is 28 now. In gymnastics years, that’s basically ancient. In real-world years, she’s just getting started. Her appearance at the 151st Kentucky Derby is part of a larger pattern. She’s showing up at the Met Gala. She’s at Real Madrid matches with Rebeca Andrade. She’s accepting Time 100 Impact Awards.
She isn't just an athlete anymore. She’s a brand.
Watching her at Churchill Downs, you realize she has this "golden instinct." She even picked a horse—Chunk of Gold—coming out of gate 17. A nod to her seven Olympic golds? Maybe. It didn't win, but the symbolism was there.
Misconceptions About the Day
A lot of people think Simone was just there to look pretty and watch horses. That’s a mistake. She was there to work. The "Riders Up" command is a high-pressure moment. If you mess it up, or if the timing is off, it throws off the entire pre-race ritual.
- She wasn't the only gymnast there. Livvy Dunne gave the "Riders Up" call for the Kentucky Oaks (the Derby's sister event) the day before.
- It wasn't just a quick photo op. Simone and Jonathan were seen mingling, dancing, and actually enjoying the Louisville atmosphere the day before the race.
- The weather held up. Unlike some rainy Derbys of the past, 2025 was pristine, allowing those lilac outfits to stay spotless.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re inspired by Simone’s Derby style or her transition into high-fashion spaces, there are a few things to keep an eye on. First, watch her upcoming documentary projects; they usually dive into the "why" behind these public appearances. Second, if you’re planning a trip to Louisville for next year’s race, start looking at fascinators now.
Seriously.
The good ones sell out months in advance.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be remembered for the horses, sure. But for a huge segment of the world, it was the day Simone Biles traded the spring floor for the dirt track and proved, once again, that she can dominate any arena she steps into.
Check out her official Instagram for the full gallery of the lilac dress—the detail on the bodice is actually insane when you zoom in. Also, keep an eye on the Chicago Bears' schedule; Simone is a regular in the stands, and her "sideline style" is becoming just as influential as her red carpet looks.