Place your bets on who looked the best at the Kentucky Derby 2026. 

Given a ton of celebs including Nicole Scherzinger, Lance Bass and Anthony Ramos stepped out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., for the annual horse races May 2, it’s certainly a stiff competition. 

Take Nicole, for instance, who stunned in a black-and-white polka dot dress and an elaborate hat. Meanwhile, Anthony played with color as he sported a bright purple blazer, which he paired with a pink tie and blue trousers.

And while the fashion—and the fascinators—are one reason heads are turning toward the South, the horse race itself is what has people locked in. 

Each year, the Kentucky Derby kicks off the prestigious Triple Crown races and—as the longest running sporting event in the U.S.—is known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” (The Preakness Stakes on May 16 and the Belmont Stakes on June 6 will round out the Triple Crown.)

This year, the top horses competing are Renegade, with 4-1 odds, Commandment with 6-1 odds, and Further Ado, who also has 6-1 odds. Renegade is entering the ring with a supposed leg up, as the horse won the Arkansas Derby in March, which secured his spot in this race.