Which Celebs Show Up at The Kentucky Derby?

Ladies, get ready to don your giant pastel hats in favor of watching horses run around the track. It’s that time of year again: The Kentucky Derby is once again upon us. That means by the end of the weekend, we will be inundated with fabulous photos of our favorite celebs in their Derby best — and possibly even drunk off of mint juleps and the smell of horse poo. If that’s not a reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is.

But before we tune in to watch the Derby on NBC this weekend, let’s talk about which celebs we might get to spot at the big event. Although not too many appearances have been confirmed, we can reasonably deduce this year’s guests based on Derbies past. The crowd at these affairs tends to be varied — that's likely why we're all so fascinated with who'll be seen with plumes of feathers on their heads and (apparently) disgustingly large bottles of champagne. One second, we'll find the former host of a cancelled reality competition and the next, we're looking at a celeb so famous they're practically glowing.

And as it turns out, Kentucky Derby regulars seem to fall into five different categories. Let’s take a look:

Duh: Reality Stars

Obviously, Kim Kardashian (along with the rest of the fam) is all about the Derby. Why wouldn’t she love a good excuse to pick out a new hat and pastel dress? Not that she needs one. Since her wedding’s on the horizon, we’re not totally sure she’ll show up this time around, but man, did she look fabulous when she did.

Also, The Hills stars Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag have been known to show up from time to time — of course, not together.

And how could anyone forget the episode of Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica (AKA the best love story ever told — well, not anymore) when Jessica Simpson and then-hubby Nick Lachey took on Kentucky as one of the best looking couples in history? 2004: What a time to be alive. Let’s go, Smarty Jones!

Of course, my fingers are crossed that the Southern Charm gang shows up. Or at the very least, Kathryn, Thomas, and Kensington. For giggles.

Bona Fide Country Stars

Southern people love the Kentucky Derby: Who would’ve thought? And since KY is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Nashville, it’s not surprising that some of country radio’s biggest stars usually turn up on race day.

In the past, the Derby’s welcomed stars like Miranda Lambert (cowgirl boots and all), Travis Tritt, Leanne Rimes, and the beautiful, beautiful Luke Bryan. He can crash my party anytime.

Hollywood A-Listers

Past Kentucky Derby races have brought in quite a few familiar faces from the red carpet. Stars like Anne Hathaway, Kellan Lutz, and new parents Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas have celebrated the Derby (and its many exclusive parties) in the highest of style. And — unsurprisingly — Ashton Kutcher.

Would it be too much to ask for Ashton to bring Mila Kunis and her baby bump along with him this time around? I need new pictures of the most adorable family in Hollywood, stat.

Professional Athletes

Technically, the Kentucky Derby is about more than just big hats and alcohol — technically. It’s actually a sporting event, so it’s pretty typical that sports stars would want to attend. Olympians Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski are a given, since they’re hosting the event for NBC, and we couldn’t possibly be more excited. Other big names in sports who have been to the Derby? Shaq, tennis legend Andre Agassi, and Olympic skiier (and Tiger Woods’ girlfriend) Lindsey Vonn.

Former Members of *NSYNC

Like former *NSYNC-er Joey Fatone. Oh, wait, no, that's it.

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