Hollywood's Love Affair with Horse Racing: Stars at the Track

Horse racing, though broad in its appeal, has always been a favorite pursuit of the elites. There’s a reason they call it the Game of Kings. Raising, training, and transporting horses can cost millions of dollars, and getting premium tickets to the Kentucky Derby? Well, the price can be comparable.

The biggest events in the world are star-studded, red carpet-level galas made more exciting not just by what’s happening on the track, but who’s sitting in the stands. As you consider the 2025 Breeders’ Cup betting options, think also about who you’ll find watching the event. Chances are a famous name or two will be attending this November event in Del Mar, California.

Elizabeth Banks is a regular attendee, and a wide variety of sports stars like Alex Bregman and Eric Johnson have been known to make appearances as well.

Elizabeth Banks

The story often goes something like this: a regular person gets rich, a rich person discovers horses. It seems that one of the first things a person with more money than they know what to do with does is start buying thoroughbreds, or at least box seats to the Kentucky Derby.

Things are a little different in the case of Elizabeth Banks. The actress grew up in Western Massachusetts near the well-known Saratoga race course. It was there that she would accompany her father to the track, and he would even allow her to pick his bets.

Fortuitously, Banks would later go on to have a starring role in Seabiscuit, arguably the best horse racing movie in the sport’s storied history.

Now with her passion for the game fully established, she’s taken on a sort of leadership role within the sport.

In 2012, she became the official ambassador of the Breeders’ Cup, a position that has allowed her to attend ceremonies, interact with fans, and generally encourage the growth of the sport. Of all the famous people who enjoy going to the races, few have contributed to them in quite the same impactful way as Elizabeth Banks.

Steven Spielberg

You don’t have to have been involved in the making of Seabiscuit to develop a love of horses, but it apparently helps. Steven Spielberg famously helmed the 2003 mega hit, and his interest in the game transitioned from creative to financial.

He owned (or co-owned) a Kentucky Derby contender that famously finished fourth in “the most exciting two minutes in sports” back in 2003.

MC Hammer

Famous ’90s rapper MC Hammer has long been a regular at major horse racing events. However, like Spielberg, his involvement with the sport transitioned into something a little more substantial.

In the nineties, Hammer opened his own stable, Oaktown Stables, where he owned at one time up to 19 horses. His most famous horse, Dance Floor, competed in the 1992 Kentucky Derby.

Dance Floor also featured heavily in the 1991 Breeders’ Cup, in what is considered by many to be one of the most memorable races in the event’s storied history. Dance Floor ultimately finished sixth in that event.

Judi Dench

Overseas, Dame Judi Dench has been a long-standing presence in the British racing scene. She regularly attends high-profile events like the Grand National.

She has also owned her own racehorses, including most famously, Outlaw Peter.

Bo Derek

Bo Derek’s passion for horse racing began in the stands but has since developed to something more significant. The actress has been deeply involved in the racing scene for over 20 years.

She served on the California Horse Racing Board from 2008 until 2015. During her time there, she was well known for her advocacy positions concerning animal safety and welfare.

She’s an executive board member for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in California. She is another ambassador for the Breeders’ Cup, and she’s also just a strong influencer for the sport.

She’s written about it and supported it for many years and continues to be a strong advocate both for the continuation of horse racing and the furtherment of its safety initiatives.

We Could Go On

And on. There are so many famous and interesting stories concerning celebrities at the tracks. Tom Brady taking his entire team to the Kentucky Derby. Michael Jordan arriving at that same event on race day with no ticket and getting a private box all to himself.

Nikola Jokic’s famous obsession with racing. His love and devotion to the sport run so deep that he stops by tracks and visits jockeys on the road with his team. There is no shortage of celebrities who love the Game of Kings.

Next time you watch a major race, keep your eyes peeled on the stands. You might just see a familiar face.

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Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com