Thoroughbred racing in the United States has a long association with celebrities and dignitaries, from presidents like Andrew Jackson, who owned and raced horses; to sports icons like Hall of Fame basketball star Michael Jordan, a regular at the Kentucky Derby; to supermodel Kate Upton, a known horse enthusiast and Breeders’ Cup ambassador.

Celebrities who regularly attend or attended the races, many of whom own and breed Thoroughbreds, include: 

Burt Bacharach - vocalist, composer, producer

Elizabeth Banks -  actress

Drew Brees - NFL quarterback

Laura Bell Bundy - actress

James Carville - political analyst and strategist

Rex Chapman - former NBA player

Kevin Costner - actor, director

Bing Crosby - singer, actor

Bo Derek - actress, producer, model

Rob Dyrdek - skateboarder, actor, producer

Elizabeth II - Queen of England

Bobby Flay - celebrity chef

Alex Ferguson - soccer manager

Elizabeth Hurley - actress

Steven Jackson - NFL running back

Avery Johnson - NBA coach, former NBA player

Toby Keith - country music star

Jack Klugman - actor

Paul Lo Duca - baseball player

Bode Miller - skier

BODE MILLER WITH TRAINER BOB BAFFERT (Eclipse Sportswire)

John Ortiz - actor

Michael Owen - former pro soccer player

Rick Pitino - college basketball coach

Gary Player - professional golfer

Jim Rome - sports broadcaster

Wayne Rooney -  soccer player

Telly Savalas -  actor

Steven Spielberg - film director, producer

Joe Torre - MLB executive, former manager

Alex Trebek - game show host, “Jeopardy!”

Wes Welker - NFL wide receiver

Ron Wood - rock star, The Rolling Stones