The Kentucky Derby is back at full power for the first time since 2019, and one of the brightest celebrities on the red carpet: a 24-year-old Grammy-nominated rapper from Louisville.
Jack Harlow received the loudest shouts from fans who lined up the red carpet at Churchill Downs. The rapper was on track to make “Riders Up!” call, the indicator for riders to ride their horses before the big race.
He humorously told the crowd that his horse in the Run for Roses race was Happy Jack, referring to the name shared between the two.
“I feel like I have no other choice,” said Harlow, who has two #1 hit singles.
Harlow, who has a song called “Churchill Downs,” has reportedly been filming a music video all day. He was spotted with rapper Drake, who is featured in the song, throughout Churchill Downs. Some lucky fans managed to get a movie while Harlow walked the red carpet.
Country music singers Chase Rice, Jason Aldan, actress Jennifer Robertson of Cheetah Creek, and chef Bobby Flay were among the standouts fans drew for photos and videos. Miss USA and University of Kentucky graduate Elle Smith also appeared on the red carpet.
Walking the red carpet with his family, Governor Andy Beshear said his selection of the derby winner was the epicenter.
Rapper Jack Harlow walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. The Louisville rapper is ready to perform “Riders Up!” call, the indicator for riders to ride their horses before the big race. Gabi Prokima [email protected]
Actor Dean Norris, known for playing DEA agent Hank Schrader on the AMC series “Breaking Bad,” walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
Actress Jennifer Robertson, best known for starring as Jocelyn Chet in the Emmy-winning sitcom “Sheets Creek,” walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
Miss USA Ellie Smith walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Smith graduated from the UK in 2020. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
“Chopped” Tiffani Fashion judge walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. The reality TV cooking show has been on TV since 2009. Gabe Prokima [email protected]
The Princess Derby Court walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
Konrad Buchmann walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and his family walk the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
A T-Rex takes the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Prokima [email protected]
The family who owns Zandon takes the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Prokima [email protected]
Taylor Dane walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
Former NFL quarterback Eric Wood and Leslie Wood walk the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
University of Kentucky quarterback Will Leavis walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
David Costabel walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Prokima [email protected]
Eden Bridgeman walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
Bobby Brown walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brukima [email protected]
Rob Angel and Susan Booth of Pictionary walk the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Prokima [email protected]
Singer Star Jones walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
“Bachelor” star Bob Jenny walks the red carpet at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, May 7, 2022. Gabe Brockima [email protected]
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Monica Kast covers higher education for the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com. Previously, she covered higher education in Tennessee for the Knoxville News Sentinel. She is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and graduated from Western Kentucky University.
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