Netizens React to Simone Biles as She Performs the ‘Riders Up’ Tradition at the Kentucky Derby

The Olympic champion attended the distinguished racing event dressed to the nines last Saturday. She had the honor of performing the iconic tradition ahead of a race, and fans have shared their reactions.

Simone Biles attended the 2025 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The gymnastics gold medalist made it a date with her husband, Chicago Bears player Jonathan Owens, as the couple donned coordinating outfits.

Biles dazzled in a lavender strapless mini-dress adorned with purple crystal embellishments. She paired it with strappy heels and a matching dramatic hat.

Alongside her, Owens wore a textured lavender suit with white dress shirt, trousers, and sneakers. Adding a touch of country to his look, the Bears safety completed the ensemble with a small purple cowboy hat.

Ahead of the race, Biles performed the ‘Riders Up’ tradition that signals the jockeys to climb aboard their steeds.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment. Riders Up!" she exclaimed as she blew a kiss at the camera and beamed.

A clip of the moment made its rounds on social media, with many fans commenting on her accent. "She said lemme try the valley girl accent," one person said. "Big code switching 😩," another wrote.

"But why she change her accent to say that😭😜," a viewer asked. "They paid extra for the code switching 💅🏾🤏🏾" another joked.

"Have you guys never heard Simone speak before? This is literally how she normally talks just more projected😭," another noted. Another echoed the sentiment, accusing those surprised at how Biles sounded in the clip of not being "real fans."