Stars shine at 2026 Unbridled Eve Derby Gala in downtown Louisville

The Kentucky Oaks race may have moved to primetime but that didn’t stop gala goers from reveling at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala on May 1.

Celebrities from near and far mingled with Louisvillians and other Derby weekend visitors at the annual pre-Kentucky Derby party in downtown Louisville, which doubles as a charitable event.

“It’s a pretty cool, special evening,” said Tonya York, who co-founded and co-hosts the gala alongside sister Tammy York-Day.

For the 13th year, Louisville-based Blessings in a Backpack was the event’s primary beneficiary. The nonprofit provides students in need with backpacks of food to help alleviate weekend hunger. A portion of event proceedings also went to support 14 other nonprofits.

“We try to do as much as we can for as many as we can,” York said.

As Always a Runner crossed the finish line at Churchill Downs, five miles north, a parade of Kentucky Derby jockeys and musicians, football and basketball greats, and stars of television and film took to the red carpet.

“Anytime I get the chance to support a community, and support the children in it, I’m there,” said “Suits” actress Gina Torres, attending her second Unbridled Eve gala and fresh off a visit from the racetrack. “We actually did a little betting today. I did kind of well. But I’m not trying to get back all my money. I’m not that girl. It’s too hard to make it.”

The party draws a strong contingent of returning guests who reunite at the party and click like old friends.

There are frequent fliers, such as former Bon Jovi lead guitarist, Richie Sambora, who took to the stage early on May 1.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Sambora said, remarking on the wide-ranging lineup of fellow musicians who’ve taken to the Unbridled Eve stage alongside him over the years of attending the gala. “It’s specifically iconic, really.”

Regulars such as Bob Guiney, a former star of “The Bachelor,” and Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon walked the red carpet alongside newcomers including actor and recording artist Anthony Ramos (“Hamilton,” “In the Heights”) and star of HBO’s “IT: Welcome to Derry,” Amanda Christine.

While Christine wasn’t attending the Kentucky Derby race, she was still thrilled to soak in the Derby weekend atmosphere at the party. Growing up, she heard stories about Derby from her mother, who is from Louisville.

“Being able to come and experience myself, I’m beyond grateful,” she said. “I love seeing how people dress up, their hats, their outfits. It’s so expressive.”

Ramos, meanwhile, spent some of his day May 1 at Churchill Downs and said he would be rooting May 2 for Derby jockeys John Velazquez and Javier Castellano, whom he met unexpectedly when enjoying a cigar at Jeff Ruby’s restaurant in Lexington while filming there earlier this year.

“We all just started hanging out and we ended up shutting the place down,” he said, smiling. “We stayed in contact, and here we are at the Kentucky Derby now.”

Despite the later, primetime Kentucky Oaks post time, the grand ballroom at The Galt House in downtown Louisville was still filled with tuxedos and ballgowns (and, new this year, screens to broadcast the evening race).

Guests could place bids on dozens of silent auction items, including bourbon bottles, equine-focused artwork, distillery experiences, concert tickets, sports memorabilia and more.

In addition to dinner and the dance floor, partygoers could enjoy a number of specialty bars, a silent disco and karaoke backed by a live band.

Throughout the night, a celebrity lineup of performers played the hits from the Unbridled Eve stage at The Galt House, including singer-songwriter Phillip Phillips, Sugarhill Gang, Sambora, and more.

As the red carpet drew to a close, two-time Derby winning jockey Mike Smith breezed through, planning an early bedtime before the May 2 race. At 59, a Derby win with So Happy would make him the oldest Derby winning jockey in history.

“This is the championship game,” he said. “It’s like anything … you’re a performer going out to perform on stage. If you don’t get those butterflies, there’s something wrong.”

And as for his Derby horse pic? The racing veteran cracked a wide smile.