Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is continuing his post-Super Bowl victory lap with a stop in Louisville, Ky., for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
Mahomes, who took center stage at the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade and the 2023 NFL Draft — both held in Kansas City — will now issue an entirely new command after leading the Chiefs to a 38-35 victory over the Eagles in Super Bowl 57.
Unlike many of the celebrities who will attend the first leg of the Triple Crown, Mahomes is not there simply as a spectator. He's not even there as an owner, like Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Instead, he is something of a guest of honor — one with an important job to perform at Churchill Downs.
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Here's what you need to know about Mahomes' attendance at the 149th Kentucky Derby:
Why is Patrick Mahomes at the Kentucky Derby?
Mahomes is attending the Kentucky Derby as this year's chosen dignitary to give the traditional "Riders Up!" command. It's an honor that, since 2012, has been reserved for celebrities (many of whom have ties to Kentucky sports or horse racing or otherwise hail from the Bluegrass State).
The command traditionally is issued just before the start of the Kentucky Derby, signaling to jockeys to mount their horses. Per the Kentucky Derby:
'Riders Up' typically occurs across from Stall 1 in the Saddling Paddock . ... After the command, jockeys receive a leg up on their mounts and immediately turn right to the Paddock Runway, which leads to the racetrack.
This year, Mahomes will make the official call in the paddock before the race, which has a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET.
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Celebrities who have given 'Riders Up!' command
Mahomes is the 11th celebrity and third quarterback to recite "Riders Up!" at Churchill Downs. To date, actor Jeff Bridges and rapper Jack Harlow are the only celebrities to issue the command who aren't an athlete or otherwise involved with horse racing.
Here's a brief clip of Bridges issuing the call in 2017:
Below is a rundown of all the celebrities who have recited "Riders Up!" ahead of the Run for the Roses.
- 2012: Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari
- 2013: Louisville football coach Charlie Strong
- 2014: Basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving
- 2015: NFL (and former Louisville) quarterback Teddy Bridgewater
- 2016: Saints coach Sean Payton
- 2017: Actor Jeff Bridges
- 2018: Former super middleweight/light heavyweight boxing champion Laila Ali
- 2019: Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield
- 2021: Horse trainer, U.S. Racing Hall of Fame inductee D. Wayne Lukas
- 2022: Louisville native, rapper Jack Harlow
- 2023: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes