NFL

Patrick Mahomes to call ‘Riders up!’ at 2023 Kentucky Derby

Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes will get to test his vocals at the exclusive Kentucky Derby.

The two-time Super Bowl MVP will kick off the start of Saturday’s derby with the famous “Riders up!” introduction to kick off the action.

The tradition was held up by Jack Harlow in 2022 and will be given to the Chiefs’ reigning Super Bowl and regular season MVP.

From the moment that the Kansas City superstar makes the call, riders will be off to the races in “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports.”

At the finish line awaits a $3 million purse for the winner, of which 19 contestants will jockey for in an attempt at fame.

Jack Harlow looks on at the 2022 Kentucky Derby
Jack Harlow looks on at the 2022 Kentucky Derby Getty Images for Churchill Downs
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes fires up the crowd prior to the 2023 NFL Draft
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes fires up the crowd prior to the 2023 NFL Draft Getty Images

Todd Pletcher-trained Forte is the favorite to take home the Derby trophy, being priced at 3-1 coming into Saturday at TwinSpires.

Mahomes is the third member of the NFL family to kick off the Kentucky Derby, joining Broncos coach Sean Payton and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Mahomes was also the opener for the 2023 NFL Draft last week, an honor he had as the hosting city.

Since then, his brother Jackson has been arrested for aggravated sexual battery involving a 40-year-old restaurant owner in February.

He posted a $100,000 bail and could theoretically make it for the race.