Who to Follow for Kentucky Derby News and Updates

The excitement is palpable with less than two weeks to go until the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Over the past few years, social media has become a hotbed for breaking news about the Derby, photos and videos of the horses training, fashion for derby day, expert predictions on the race and a lot more. That, in mind, we’ve put together an extremely thorough list of must-follow Twitter and Instagram accounts for the 2016 Kentucky Derby.
Remember, the official hashtag for all social media related to the Kentucky Derby is #KyDerby.
Twitter
@KentuckyDerby

This one is a no-brainer. The official account of the Kentucky Derby posts constant updates on the horses in the Derby field and videos of the horses training in the morning at Churchill Downs.
@DerbyMedia

This is the official public relations account for Churchill Downs, run by the track’s senior director of communications Darren Rogers. When you follow this account, you’ll get up-to-the-second updates from the track, updates on which horses are working out when and photos from all over Churchill.
@PenelopePMiller

Penelope is the senior manager of digital media at America’s Best Racing and she might not sleep at all on Kentucky Derby week. Seriously though, she’s everywhere when she’s at a big racing event - from photos at the morning workouts to capturing the atmosphere in the grandstand, all the way to the finish line, Penelope gets it and shares it on her social media and @ABRLive.
@BloodHorse

The official Twitter account for the Blood-Horse is essential following all year around, but especially on Kentucky Derby week. The magazine has reporters positioned all over Churchill Downs and posts frequent links to race updates and stories on Twitter.
@BH_CNovak

Award-winning online features editor for Blood-Horse Claire Novak is a fixture on the Derby scene and a must-follow for race updates, photos, videos and insightful analysis of all the action at Churchill.
@DougOneill1

The official Twitter account for Doug O’Neill, who trains Kentucky Derby favorite Nyquist. O’Neill and owner Reddam Racing previously won the Kentucky Derby in 2012 with I’ll Have Another. If you want behind-the-scenes photos of Nyquist, lock in on O’Neill’s Twitter feed.
@Mario_Gutierez

Nyquist’s jockey Mario Gutierrez also tasted Kentucky Derby glory when he rode I’ll Have Another to victory at odds of 15-1 in 2012. Gutierrez is back with the much shorter priced favorite in this year’s run for the roses.
@TracksideJennie

One of the most respected turf writers in the country and an Eclipse-Award winner, Jennie Rees has Derby week on lock. Her Twitter feed is filled with up-to-the-minute posts and video of Derby horses training, as well as photos from the backside and other updates on the field.
@LarryCollmus

Larry Collmus is thevoice of the Kentucky Derby and the entire Triple Crown series. He’s not only a gifted announcer though, he’s a well-seasoned Tweeter with a sharp sense of humor.
@JoeyDaKRacing

Joe Kristufek does it all. In addition to being an America’s Best Racing contributor, he is analyst at multiple racetracks, including Churchill Downs. He’s an incredibly nice guy and he’s got some Twitter chops too. Check him out for some great insights and some betting tips.
@TxFleming

This is the account for Darren Fleming, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen. The barn will send out Kentucky Derby points leader Gun Runner for Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm as well as Arkansas Derby winner Creator for Winstar Farm.
@HorseRacingHL

Alicia Wincze-Hughes is an award-winning writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com. She’s always there to deliver breaking news on Derby week and throughout the racing year. Alicia is essential to follow.
@BDiDonatoTDN

Racing editor at the Thoroughbred Daily News, Brian DiDonato is another sharp guy with a pretty active Twitter feed. Look to him for snappy reactions before and after the Derby.
@SteveSherackTDN

Steve Sherack is another TDN representative you should be following for the Derby. He’s the senior editor at the publication and a Mets fan - so he’s always good in my book.
@AndyScoggin

Despite his handle, the man behind this account is named Matt Shifman and he knows his horses. Matt is an assistant editor for Horse Racing Nation, generally covering racing in the Northeast but on Derby day he’ll be down at Churchill.
@TheTDN

The Thoroughbred Daily News is an extremely popular industry publication and the staff at the TDN does a great job on social media as well. This is another great follow all the way through Derby week and beyond.
@BeychokRacing

2012 National Handicapping Champion Michael Beychok knows how to pick winners and he’s definitely a guy to follow leading up to Derby. You can also catch him on Instagram @BeychokRacing.
@EricKalet

Photographer Eric Kalet works for the @PaulickReport and @RayPaulick. Eric is always running around the backside, snapping incredible photos, and his race photos are just as good. He also stays very busy on Twitter.
@Flothejock

Up-and-coming jockey Florent Geroux was not only the leading rider at Fair Grounds this past meet, he also rode Gun Runner to victory in the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby. Geroux now looks to guide Gun Runner to the biggest prize of them all.
@RealBramW

Former ESPN anchor Bram Weinstein is a contributing video host for ABR and he’ll be at the Kentucky Derby shooting some pieces that you’ll be able to find right here on AmericasBestRacing.net. Be sure to give Bram a follow as he navigates his way through Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. 
@BJLaflin

Also part of the ABR contingent at the Derby is TV personality and the first female scout in the NBA, Bonnie-Jill Laflin. Bonnie is also quite handy with the tweet-machine and is a must-follow for the Kentucky Derby.
@BigChiefRacing

This account belongs to part of the ownership team behind Santa Anita Derby winner Exaggerator, who is likely to go off as one of the favorites in the Kentucky Derby.
@UTbighair

Jonathon Kinchen has become an absolute legend in the world of tournament betting over the past few years. He’s a big time player and a great resource for information on who to bet at the Derby.
@DRFMcGee

Marty McGee provides plenty of insight along with a sharp wit for Daily Racing Form (DRF). If you are serious about horse racing, be sure to follow him for updates, race results and photos.
@GMBRacing

This is the official account of G M B Racing, which will run two horses in the Kentucky Derby: Mo Tom and Tom’s Ready. The stable is owned by New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson and his wife Gayle.
@RSantana_Jr

Jockey Ricardo Santana, originally from Panama, will be aboard one of the favorites in the Derby, Creator. Santana does a really good job of posting his thoughts regularly on Twitter. His feed is currently a constant stream of articles about Creator. So, if you like the horse, follow Santana and you won’t miss a thing.
@Mbauerherzog

One of the hardest-working people behind the scenes at ABR, Melissa Bauer-Herzog is based in Kentucky and is a constant source of fresh information and racing news. You can find her writing on America’s Best Racing all the way through the Triple Crown and beyond.
@WowHorse

Jamie Newell is an extremely talented photographer and writer. Her work can be found on Twitter, as well as Instagram @WowHorse.
@DRFPrivman

Jay Privman is one of the most respected voices in Thoroughbred racing, combining a wealth of knowledge with impeccable analysis for the Daily Racing Form. Follow him throughout the Triple Crown trail for insights and reports on the all of the big newsmakers.
@LadyAndTheTrack

Official Twitter account for the racing news site Lady and The Track, which features a lot of great original content that often goes beyond the race itself. You’ll find a great lifestyle, fashion and travel posts associated with the Derby.
@ChadBHarmon

One of the real good guys in racing, Chad Harmon is also a world-class photographer. He always seems to capture magical moments on big race days, so you’ll want to keep an eye on his Twitter feed.
@TomAmossRacing

Trainer Tom Amoss is new to Twitter but he’s already using social media like a pro. His account has been loaded with fresh behind-the-scenes photos. Amoss trains Kentucky Derby contender Mo Tom.
@DRFRusso

Nicole Russo is another one of the DRF's excellent Kentucky-based staff members. She regularly posts a lot of great content ranging from race info to photos. Recently, she’s shared a lot of photos of Derby favorite Nyquist, while he’s been prepping at Keeneland.
@WesWelker and @Wilfork75

Wes Welker and Vince Wilfork are just two of the stars from the NFL who regularly show up at big racing events. They’re also both pretty active on Twitter and you never know what they might post on Derby Day.
@drflivingston

Legendary Daily Racing Form photographer Barbara Livingston maintains a pretty active Twitter page and features many of her best-known racing photos. You can rest assured she’ll capture with her camera some of the greatest moments of Kentucky Derby 142.

Instagram
@KentuckyDerby

The official account of the Kentucky Derby is absolutely loaded with unique photos and videos of the Derby contenders that you won’t see anywhere else. Follow this account now. Seriously, do it.
@AmericasBestRacing

We’re all over the action at Churchill Downs and will be posting photos all the way up to the Derby and beyond. Remember to tag all of your racing photos with #AmericasBestRacing and fashion photos at the track with #AmericasBestFashion
@EspinozasVictor

Triple Crown-winning jockey Victor Espinoza is back at the Derby this year, after leading American Pharoah and California Chrome to Kentucky Derby glory the past few years. Victor will ride longshot Whitmore in the year’s Derby.
@Twinspires

One of the largest online wagering sites, TwinSpires also posts some great photos on its Instagram page and information that’s relevant for everyone betting the race on Twitter @TwinSpires. You can also catch highly knowledgeable and opinionated TwinSpires contributor and director of marketing for Brisnet Ed DeRosa on Twitter @EJXD2.
@JillrByrne

Jill Byrne is more or less the official face of Churchill Downs, as the track’s director of programming and broadcasting, producer and paddock host. She’s all over the place on Kentucky Derby weekend and frequently posts videos of the Derby contenders on her Instagram. You can also find her @BetOnByrne on Twitter.
@camhatsnyc

New York-based hat designer Christine A. Moore is a regular in Kentucky this time of year. Christine has been a big supporter of ABR, and she and her awesome partner @Camhats_Blake have even designed a sharp looking fedora for yours truly. If you’re still looking for a Derby hat, contact Christine and Blake, STAT.
@TVGNetwork

The official account of TVG, America’s most popular horse racing TV network. TVG can also be found on Twitter @TVG.
@ZoeMetz

The California-based photographer is young but her photos have the professional look of a veteran behind the lens. Seriously, she shoots some amazing pictures. When you follow her on Instagram, check out the picture she recently posted of Hall of Fame rider Gary Stevens.
@Takechargelady

Blood-Horse visuals director Anne Eberhardt Keogh maintains an extremely active IG page. She has already been posting up a storm of photos of the Kentucky Derby contenders. She can be found on Twitter as well @BH_AEberhardt.
@HMSphotoky

Kentucky-based photographer Holly Smith has an incredible eye and it shows in her work. Her Instagram is filled with some great photos of Derby horses and she’ll be adding more in the lead-up to the big race.
@WinStarFarm

WinStar Farm is one of the most dominant forces in racing and this year is no different. The racing operation sends out Arkansas Derby winner Creator in the Derby.
@eclipsesportswire

Some of the best photos of Derby week will be shot by the team at Eclipse Sportswire. If you enjoy marveling at the beauty of the horse, few capture it better than Eclipse.
@FashionAtTheRaces

The Kentucky-based fashion brand of Bri Mott showcases some of the best in racetrack clothing, accessories and lifestyle. Recent posts on both Instagram and Twitter share everything from style tips for the Derby to how to make the perfect mint julep.
@A_Evers

Alex Evers is another extremely talented photographer. He has captured some spectacular shots at the Derby the past few years and you can see them on his Instagram page.
@Poloshot

Matt Amsterdam is like a younger version of Marlins Man. He basically shows up at every major sporting event, including Kobe Bryant’s retirement game a few weeks ago, as well as Wrestlemania the week before. Guess where he’s going to be on May 7? He’s everywhere and always a fun follow on Instagram and Twitter @PoloShot.