The 149th annual Kentucky Derby proved to be as star-studded as ever before on May 6. Before the horses ran the Churchill Downs racetrack, numerous celebs, including Louisville native Jack Harlow, NFL player Patrick Mahomes, and Anna Nicole Smith‘s daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead, walked the red carpet ahead of the event. As always, the only thing that rivaled the horses was seeing the numerous big hats and gorgeous outfits worn by the race attendees.
Even though the actual race lasts just two minutes, the Kentucky Derby celebration goes on all weekend. On May 5, a long list of celebrities donned their finest party attire to attend the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala and Unbridled Eve Gala. This year’s guest list included Chris Pine and his dad, Robert Pine; Justin Hartley; and Jordin Sparks.
For horse aficionados, the highlight of the Kentucky Derby is watching the lightning-fast thoroughbreds make their way around the famed track. But for everyone else – stars included – the storied sporting event is just as notable for being a place to sip mint juleps, an excuse to agonize over picking out the perfect hat, and seeing and being seen all around Louisville. Thankfully, celebs from all corners of the entertainment industry undertstood the assignment this year.
If you’re ready to see all of the stars who showed up for the 2023 race, check out the gallery ahead for the best celebrity (and hat) sightings from both the race and the galas from the night before.