It’s geaux time at the 2025 Kentucky Oaks.
Former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne gave the ‘Riders Up’ call ahead of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday. Both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, being held Saturday, are the oldest continuously running sports events in the United States.
‘Kentucky Oaks fans, now for the annual tradition we have all been looking forward to, Riders Up!’ Dunne exclaimed. Good Cheer then went on to win the 151st running of the Kentucky Oaks.
Dunne was tapped to give the ‘Riders Up’ call, a legendary command that informs jockeys to mount their horses ahead of the race, after announcing her retirement from gymnastics last month following five seasons at LSU. She donned a pink fascinator and matching mini dress that featured ruffles on her shoulders.
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Watch: Livvy Dunne gives ‘Riders Up’ call
Kentucky Oaks vs. Kentucky Derby: What’s the difference?
The Kentucky Oaks is held annually on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, but what’s the difference between the two? It comes down to gender and distance.
While the Kentucky Derby is a 1¼-mile long race for 3-year-old colts or geldings, both male horses, the Kentucky Oaks is a furlong shorter at 1⅛ miles and is exclusively for fillies, female horses. Although fillies can technically enter the Kentucky Derby, it is uncommon as the horses carry 126 pounds in the race, compared to the Kentucky Oaks (121 pounds).
There is also a difference in purse size. The Kentucky Derby has a $5 million purse with $1.86 million going to the winner, while the Kentucky Oaks purse is $1.5 million with $750,000 going to the winner.
Who performed national anthem at Kentucky Oaks?
Singer Gina Miles, the winner of season 23 of NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ was tapped to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Oaks.
Simone Biles set to give ‘Riders Up’ call at Kentucky Derby
Dunne isn’t the only gymnast milling around at Churchill Downs. Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is set to give the ‘Riders Up’ call ahead of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday. Grammy-nominated artist Grace Potter will perform the national anthem.
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