OK, I need to get this off my chest. I was sitting in my living room yesterday, half-paying attention to the Kentucky Derby coverage (mostly waiting for the actual race while folding laundry), when Simone Biles appeared on screen for the "Riders up" call. My husband literally spit out his beer.
What. Just. Happened.
That voice though...
Our Olympic golden girl Simone Biles took center stage at Churchill Downs looking absolutely gorgeous in a lavender ensemble that probably cost more than my monthly mortgage. But it wasn't her outfit that got everyone talking - it was that... voice.
The 28-year-old gymnastics GOAT stepped up for the traditional "Riders up" announcement flanked by Kentucky's finest law enforcement (who looked equally uncomfortable, if we're being honest). She stared directly into the camera with this suddenly theatrical persona I've never seen from her before.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment," she announced with all the dramatic flair of someone auditioning for a Broadway show.
Then came THE MOMENT - that over-the-top "Riders up!" followed by a blown kiss that had my mother-in-law texting me "Is she OK???"
Twitter exploded (because of course it did)
Within minutes, my feed was flooded with reactions. The internet, predictably, split into two camps faster than you can say "photo finish."
One user didn't hold back: "It was cringey.. She doesn't normally talk like that. Right? Haha maybe she does IDK."
Another pleaded: "Simone Biles, wow, please don't do that again lol!"
My personal favorite: "Oh, that's a little over the top." (The understatement of teh century)
But wait! Team Simone showed up too
Look, I'm not here to pile on. Plenty of fans absolutely loved her theatrical take. Back in 2021, I watched her walk away from Olympic events to protect her mental health and thought she was incredibly brave. The woman has SEVEN Olympic gold medals. She can talk however she wants at a horse race, right?
Her supporters came through with comments like: "Pretty amazing to have one of the greatest Olympians of all time, Simone Biles, doing the 'Riders up' call for the Kentucky Derby."
Another simply wrote: "Great job at the Derby!!!"
What's with the weird Derby traditions anyway?
Can we talk about how bizarre these Kentucky Derby traditions are in the first place? I attended in 2018 and spent $400 on a hat I wore exactly once. The whole event is an exercise in pretending we're all fancy British aristocracy for a day.
Poor Simone. She was probably given about 15 minutes of instruction on a tradition that makes zero sense in modern America.
The real question nobody's asking
Did anyone notice how the jockeys reacted? Because that would tell us everything. Those guys have heard this call thousands of times. If they were exchanging glances or suppressing smiles, we'd know this was truly an unusual rendition.
Honestly though, I'm just jealous she got to be there. My husband promised to take me for our anniversary last year adn somehow we ended up at his cousin's wedding instead. Still bitter about that one.
Whatever your take on Simone's theatrical Derby moment, you've gotta admit - at least she committed. No halfhearted "riders up" from this champion. When Simone Biles does something, she goes ALL IN.
And really, isn't that why we love her?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do racehorses get bred for racing and how are they selected?
Usually, racehorses are bred to excel on the track. Breeders select sires and dams with proven racing pedigrees, aiming to produce offspring with optimal characteristics for speed, endurance, and temperament. Thoroughbreds have a long history of racing in England, and the bloodlines are meticulously recorded. Prospective racehorses often go through a selection process that includes pedigree analysis, physical conformation assessments, and performance in training before they begin their racing careers.
What is the significance behind the jockey's sashes?
The jockeys’ silks consist of colorful and patterned clothes worn by the jockeys in a race. Each set is unique, and each horse owner's registration allows officials and spectators to easily identify the horses. The silks' design can have sentimental meaning or be part of a family tradition. It may include different colors, patterns, or emblems.
How can I learn to read a racecard?
Reading a racecard is crucial for understanding the key information about a race and the horses running in it. A racecard usually lists information such as the horse’s name, age and weight, along with the trainer, jockey and form figures that show past performance. You can make better decisions about your bets by learning to interpret the data. Many racecourses and betting services offer guides to reading racecards as part of their customer service.
How does handicapping in UK horse racing work?
In UK racing, the handicapping system was designed to give each horse an equal shot at winning. Horses are given different weights based on past performance. Better horses carry heavier weights to level the playing field against horses with lesser past performances. The British Horseracing Authority oversees the handicapping in the UK. A team of handicappers is constantly updating ratings following race results.
How do you ensure the safety and well-being of both horses and riders during a race.
In UK horse racing, the safety of horses and riders are of paramount importance. To ensure high safety standards are met, racecourses must adhere to strict regulations. These include the quality and condition of the jumps as well as the track. Horses receive health checks prior to and after races. Jocks are also required to wear protective gear like helmets and body guards. A rapid response team and veterinarians are on call to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an incident.
What is a horse race steward's role?
Stewards ensure that racing is fair and conducted according to rules. They are responsible for overseeing the conduct of jockeys, trainers, and other racing personnel, monitoring the races for any rule infringements, and holding inquiries into any incidents or objections. The stewards can also impose sanctions, such as suspensions or fines, if rules are broken.
Statistics
- Approximately 6 million people attend horse racing events in the UK each year, making it the second most popular spectator sport in the country.
- Horse racing contributes an estimated £3.7 billion to the UK economy directly and indirectly each year.
- British horse racing generates over £350 million in annual tax revenues for the UK government.
- The Royal Ascot, held annually in June, draws crowds of 300,000 over its five-day meeting.
- The Grand National at Aintree boasts a prize fund of around £1 million, making it the most valuable jump race in Europe.
- The prize money for the Epsom Derby stands at approximately £1.5 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum.
External Links
How To
How to Bet the Grand National
The Grand National steeplechase is the UK's biggest steeplechase. Betting can be made at Aintree Racecourse or online. Beginners can choose simpler bets. For example, a 'win or each-way' bet, which includes both the win and the place finish. Be sure to check the horse's previous form, the trainers' history and the jockeys' experience before betting. You can use an online betting calculator to estimate your potential winnings. You should enjoy betting, so always bet sensibly and do not bet beyond your means.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/state-man-dominates-punchestown-as-constitution-hill-flops-spectacularly
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