Simone Biles And Jonathan Owens Go Bold In Coordinated Derby Day Outfits

Simone Biles just made a major statement at the Kentucky Derby, and she didn’t even have to say much to do it.

The Olympic gold medalist and global gymnastics icon stunned at Churchill Downs on Saturday, arriving in serious style alongside her husband, Jonathan Owens.

The power couple pulled up hours before the main event, but all eyes were on Simone Biles for more than just her glam look.

Dressed in a lavender embroidered strapless mini dress cinched at the waist, Biles topped off the monochrome vibe with a dramatic purple hat featuring a bold feathered centerpiece, because of course she did. The look screamed high fashion Derby royalty.

But it wasn’t just her outfit making headlines.

Biles dropped a three-word caption on Instagram that had fans instantly buzzing, “brownstable brown gala.” While it’s unclear exactly what she meant by the mysterious post, followers were quick to read into it, with many calling it “iconic,” “cryptic,” and “power move energy.”

Her presence at the Derby wasn’t just for fun either.

Biles was tapped to serve as this year’s honorary “Riders Up!” announcer, a major role reserved for special guests and celebrated as one of the biggest traditions in horse racing.

The origins of the “Riders up!” call trace back to the early days of organized horse racing. Originally delivered by the paddock judge or another official at the track, and now by a special celebrity, the phrase has long served as a formal command during the final moments of race preparation.

Once the horses are saddled in the paddock area, a designated space where fans, owners, and trainers can get a close-up look at the competitors, the call lets jockeys know it’s time to climb aboard and head toward the starting gate.

Beyond its official purpose, “Riders up!” has become a symbolic signal that the wait is over and the action is about to begin. For the trainers, jockeys, and owners who have spent months preparing for the race, and for fans who’ve waited all year for this moment, it’s a call that sends a ripple of electricity through the grounds.

Among the other familiar faces turning heads at Churchill Downs was Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter, who hit the red carpet with her dad, the late model’s ex. The father-daughter duo has become a Derby staple, attending the event regularly since 2010.

Selma Blair brought classic elegance in a flowing pale-yellow gown, while Alix Earle kept things sleek and modern in an all-black ensemble that proved you don’t need color to make a statement.

Rising music star Shaboozey also made an appearance, adding even more buzz to an already electric weekend.

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the world’s most prestigious horse race returns to Churchill Downs, where 20 of the finest three-year-old thoroughbreds will compete in the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, still hailed as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

Leading this year’s pack is Journalism, a striking bay colt who has quickly become the talk of the track.

Coming in with 3-1 odds and riding the momentum of a three-race win streak, including a standout performance at the 2025 San Felipe Stakes, he’s earned the nickname “Derby darling” from fans and oddsmakers alike. With high expectations and growing buzz, all eyes will be on him as the gates fly open.

The stakes are as high as ever.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby boasts a record $5 million purse, with the winning team set to take home a staggering $3.1 million. But it’s not just the winner who will walk away with a payday as payouts extend through fifth place, awarding $1 million for second, $500,000 for third, $250,000 for fourth, and $150,000 for fifth.

While jockeys typically receive a flat fee for competing, major victories come with serious bonuses. In 2024, Brian Hernandez Jr. collected a cool $310,000, 10% of the top prize, for his winning ride. In 2023, Javier Castellano netted $186,000 aboard Mage, when the Derby purse stood at $3 million.

The race is set to kick off at 6:57 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.