Over the star-studded Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs, Olivia Dunne dazzled in back-to-back head-turning looks, effortlessly stealing the spotlight. On Friday, she graced the Kentucky Oaks in a refined pink ensemble, only to up the ante on Derby Day with a striking white dress peppered with bold black polka dots. Polished with silver accessories, a white clutch, flat black shoes, and a statement white wicker hat with a black ribbon, the 22-year-old former NCAA gymnastics standout blended timeless Derby tradition with modern flair. To top it off, she had the honor of calling out the iconic “Riders Up!”—her voice ringing out with infectious enthusiasm. But on one certain question, she seemed to be confused. 

Olivia’s Instagram post on May 4, celebrating her Derby weekend, drew waves of admiration. But in the middle of admiring words, someone asked her, “Who’d you pick to win??” Livvy’s reply came in one word only: “yes.” She didn’t share any names, and she preferred not to go into details about it. So, was Livvy dodging the question, or did she not choose any winner? The answer didn’t come. However, for Livvy, it was her first time at the Kentucky Derby. 

Yes. On Friday, May 2, the LSU alum made it official with a glowing Instagram caption: “Your girl’s first derby :)” Her Derby debut wasn’t just about fashion or fanfare—it marked her entry into one of the most iconic sporting traditions in America, this time as a guest of Club SI, the exclusive Sports Illustrated experience housed in Churchill Downs’ newly revamped $200 million Paddock. Given her long-standing partnership with SI, Dunne’s presence felt more like a natural evolution than a surprise cameo. A trailblazer in gymnastics and a powerhouse on social media, she brought a fresh, youthful energy to the paddock, making her a standout even among the star-studded crowd.

And while Dunne lit up the weekend, the Derby itself delivered drama worthy of a Hollywood script. In a rain-soaked, muddy showdown, Sovereignty surged past 3-1 favorite Journalism in the final strides, claiming the 151st Kentucky Derby and delivering a long-awaited victory for powerhouse stable Godolphin, who had been winless in their 13 previous Derby tries.

Yet amid the cheers and champagne, one question lingered—a second major absence tied to Dunne: Where was Paul Skenes? The LSU baseball phenom and MLB top prospect was nowhere to be seen.

Olivia Dunne spent time in the Kentucky Derby without Paul Skenes 

As cameras flashed and the buzz of Derby Day reached a fever pitch, Olivia Dunne was a vision of poise and polish. But amid the whirlwind of style, spectacle, and Southern charm, one absence didn’t go unnoticed: her boyfriend, MLB pitching sensation Paul Skenes, was nowhere to be seen.

The question cropped up beneath her glamorous May 4 Instagram post like clockwork: “Where’s Paul Skenes.” Livvy didn’t brush it off or offer a vague reply. Instead, with her trademark candor and class, she answered plainly: “Couldn’t get off work.” And she wasn’t wrong. Skenes is deep in the grind of the MLB season, locked in on the mound while Dunne took center stage at Churchill Downs. It was a moment she’d actually hinted at days before.

In a playful sit-down with Access Hollywood digital host Lauren Herbert, Livvy was asked who she was most excited to “mingle” with during the Derby festivities. With a sparkle in her eye, she answered, “I’m just excited to see all my friends. I know that Xandra will be here—she’s DJing later.” That’s Xandra—as in the rising star DJ and fashion icon turning heads across runways and music festivals alike. No doubt, Livvy knew how to make the most of the weekend—even if her MVP was stuck throwing strikes miles away. So, while Paul may have missed the roses and run for the crown, Livvy showed up and showed out, proving once again why she’s more than just a plus-one in the spotlight.