Simone Biles’s love for horses has long been a charming footnote in her story—and now it’s galloping center stage. Gymnastics fans may remember her horseback adventure in Oahu last year, where she not only saddled up with ease but also convinced her then-new husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, to hop on as well. “She got me out here on a horse,” he wrote in disbelief on his Instagram Story, capturing both the humor and heart of their seaside escapade. But their equestrian-themed memories didn’t stop there!

This year, the couple rang in Simone’s birthday with a trip to a Texas rodeo—another moment that blended Simone’s bold spirit with their shared sense of fun and adventure. So, it was only fitting that the dynamic duo brought their charm and star power to Churchill Downs for the 151st Kentucky Derby. Dressed to the nines in classic Derby style, Simone and Jonathan turned heads on the red carpet before Simone took center stage for a special honor—delivering the iconic “Riders Up!” command to kick off the big race.

Later, Simone reshared a stylish clip of the couple at the Derby, soaking in the glamour and tradition of the event. Do you want to know what she specifically wore to celebrate the occasion? Well, it was the classic Derby style—the Olympian donned a lavender ensemble from The Hat Girls, a three-time featured milliner of the Kentucky Derby. Biles paired her lavender strapless mini dress adorned with what looked like diamonds with a fascinator and matching eyeshadow. And Jonathan?

Jonathan matched her energy in a purple fedora, sleek suit jacket, and crisp white trousers. It was a Derby fit check for the books! And they didn’t come alone—joining them was Simone’s mom, Nellie Biles, fully embracing the Derby spirit in her own fedora and classic attire. Though Simone’s sister, Adria, couldn’t be there in person, she made her virtual presence felt loud and proud. Flooding her Instagram Story with photos from the day, she hyped up her sister with all-caps love: “helloooooo?!?” and “MY SISTER IS SO STUNNING SHUDDUPPPPP!!!!!!!!” She also shared a sweet family shot with the caption, “some of my favourite humans EVERRRRR.” It was pure Biles family magic.

However, the festivities kicked off as soon as the couple touched down in Louisville on Friday. Their first order of business? A Kentucky tradition: the mint julep. Jonathan documented the moment on his Instagram Story, showing off the iconic glass and captioning it, “They say you gotta get the Mint Julep at the Derby.” Consider it officially checked off the bucket list.

Also, when it came to some luck in the Derby, JO proved to have some big luck. He gave proof of his god-making luck with a few lines in his Instagram story. The lines read, “Picked the right horse for the Derby too, insane. Got to the point people just started asking me who I’m going with.” Flexing of luck? You can guess. 

Then came the crown jewel: Simone Biles stepping into the spotlight with poise, elegance, and a kiss to the crowd as she delivered the iconic Derby call—“Ladies and gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the commonwealth of Kentucky and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment, Riders Up!” Cue the cheers, cue the chills. The queen of the mat has clearly found her footing on the turf, too. But hold on! There were a few more things to add from the Kentucky Derby day, which Simone herself expressed.

Simone Biles explains the most exciting two-minute moment of her life 

After the red carpet moment, when asked by Access Hollywood’s digital correspondent Lauren Herbert to name the two favorite minutes of her life, Simone Biles didn’t hesitate—her heart answered first.

“Honestly, it’s been marrying my husband, my partner,” she said with a glowing smile, a sentiment that instantly melted hearts. Standing by her side, Jonathan Owens couldn’t help but beam with pride, chiming in with a heartfelt, “That was great… That was great,” as he looked at her with unmistakable admiration. But when the spotlight turned to him, Jonathan had his own unforgettable two-minute moment—and it came just before their forever began.

“I’d say probably the two minutes before I proposed,” he revealed, laughing softly. “Containing myself and like… making sure my thoughts—[so I’m] not gonna ramble too much.” It was a sweet peek into the nervous excitement that led to one of the most beautiful love stories in sports. So, from the perfect lavender outfits to family love and first-time Derby traditions, it was a day to remember. And for Jonathan and Simone, it was just another chapter in their picture-perfect love story, full of smiles, glam, and unforgettable moments.