Kentucky Derby Horses and Their Celebrity Equivalents
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American Pharoah photo by Eclipse Sportswire/Katy Perry photo by Wikimedia Commons/Eva Rinaldi
The Kentucky Derby is mecca for the famous to congregate and celebrate the best festival of American sport. This year some of our nation’s sporting and pop culture icons have striking similarities with a few horses in the field and, therefore, have extra incentive to get in on the action at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2.
International Star - Taylor Swift
International Star photo by Eclipse Sportswire/Taylor Swift photo by Wikimedia Commons/Jana Zills
Pop’s biggest star should get familiar with Louisiana horse racing’s biggest star. International Star tops the Road to the Kentucky Derby points chart, while Taylor tops the music charts. Despite a nearly impeccable record and a rabid fan base, both seem to have their fair share of doubters. Also, a little “Swift”-ness never hurts in a horse race
Materiality – Madonna
Materality photo by Eclipse Sportswire/Madonna photo by Wikimedia Commons/David Shankbon
The “Material Girl” should hop on this colt’s bandwagon. Is there a material item that girls love more than roses?
Stanford – Andrew Luck
Stanford photo by Eclipse/Andrew Luck photo by Wikimedia Commons/Jeffrey Beall
Stanford and Andrew both tend to stay out of the spotlight. But don’t let that fool you. They’re both uber talented. Andrew is a Stanford University alumnus, and we all know every horse in the Derby could use a little “Luck” in their corner.
Mr. Z – Jay Z
Stanford photo by Eclipse Sportswire/Jay Z photo by Wikimediacommons/Joella Marano
Mr. Z and Jay Z are both ballers and hang out with some of the most posh “connections” in their respective industries. Mr. Z is a part of Zayat Stables and trains under Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas. Jay Z spends his days with Beyoncé. Both of these guys are doing all right.
Ocho Ocho Ocho – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Ocho Ocho Ocho's photo by Eclipse Sportswire/Dale Earnhardt Jr photo by Wikimedia Commons/wikichuck624
Dale formerly sported No. “8” in NASCAR, but made the switch to “88” a few years ago. Ocho Ocho Ocho is Spanish for “Eight Eight Eight.” Both are masters of speed and race for a living. Need we go on?
Carpe Diem - Floyd Mayweather
Carpe Diem photos by Eclipse Sportswire/Floyd Mayweather photo by Wikimedia Common/Official Marine Corps
Floyd Mayweather has a chance to “seize the day” on May 2 as well. Perhaps he’ll get pre-fight inspiration from this talented colt’s performance on the track.
Itsaknockout – Manny Pacquiao
Itsaknockout photo by Eclipse/Manny Pacquiao by Wikimedia Commons/inboundpass
Manny has a chance to win the “Fight of the Century” with the aforementioned Mr. Mayweather. Victory could be sweeter with a knockout. And, in case you have missed it, check out Pac-Man’s unconventional racetrack training in this exclusive behind the scenes video from America’s Best Racing.
American Pharoah – Katy Perry
American Pharoah photo by Eclipse Sportswire/Katy Perry photo by Wikimedia Commons/Eva Rinaldi
Katy Perry rules pop like American Phraoah has ruled this year’s Road to the Kentucky Derby. Ms. Perry produced a music video for “Dark Horse” in which she plays an Egyptian ruler … the similarities are just too good not for Katy to give American Pharoah her unbridled support.
Mubtaahij – Rory McIlroy
Mubtaahij photo by Penelope P. Miller/Rory McIlroy photo by Wikimedia Commons/LisaSuender
Mubtaahij is an Irish-bred superstar who has made his name jet setting from racetrack to racetrack. He ultimately punched his ticket to the Kentucky Derby after schooling the field in the UAE Derby. Rory McIlroy is a Northern Irishman who has claimed international acclaim for his performance on golf courses in America, Europe, and Asia.