Simone Biles was on hand to take in the 151st Kentucky Derby. Before the race, she made the Riders Up announcement at Churchill Downs. But it wasn’t all business for the Olympic gymnast, who brought her husband Jonathan Owens and mom Nellie along for the storied event.
Simone and Jonathan wore coordinating lavender looks for the special day, and Nellie joined them in a pink dress with matching feather-adorned hat. Before the race, Simone and her family picked their winners, with the seven-time gold medalist appropriately choosing Chunk of Gold, and Nellie selected Sovereignty. Jonathan remained cagey about his pick after picking winners earlier in the day.
The NBC Olympics Instagram account shared a video of the family taking in the race and captioned the post, “Nellie and Simone Biles were going WILD watching the Kentucky Derby!” The mother-daughter duo are seen screaming over the finish as Simone tells her husband, “Mom won!” Fans left comments of congratulations and wrote “A Family of winners!🙌🏾🏆” and “Soooo beautiful to see!”
Nellie revealed that attending the Derby was a bucket list item for her. She said, “It’s more than what I dreamed about. I do watch the Derby every year, and to actually be here and enjoying everything, wearing a hat, it’s more than I can imagine.” Simone was asked if she would be participating in the upcoming Olympics in L.A. She revealed that she has not decided if she will compete, but she will definitely be on hand to cheer on Team U.S.A.
If there’s one thing Simone Biles knows, it’s how to bring the energy. But at this year’s Kentucky Derby, it wasn’t her gold medals making headlines—it was her and her mom Nellie’s epic reaction to the jaw-dropping finish. When the crowd went wild, these two turned up the volume with their own unforgettable moment that instantly lit up social media. Let’s dive into why their reaction is going viral—and what makes this Derby moment one for the books.
The Unexpected Star Moment
Not Just Horses Stealing the Show
The Kentucky Derby always delivers surprises, but this year, it wasn’t just the horses crossing the finish line that had everyone talking. When that final stretch turned into a photo-finish frenzy, all eyes unexpectedly shifted to Simone Biles and her mom Nellie.
A Champion’s Cheers
Simone Biles—Fan First, Olympian Second
You’d think someone with Olympic gold would stay cool under pressure. Not Simone. As the horses thundered toward the finish, she and Nellie couldn’t hold back. They jumped. They screamed. They reacted—and the crowd loved it.
Nellie Biles: The Real MVP of the Moment
Mama Energy at Its Peak
Let’s be real—Nellie Biles might’ve just outshined her daughter for a hot minute. Her arms in the air, eyes wide, cheering like her life depended on it. It was authentic. Raw. Relatable. We’ve all been there—and Nellie’s joy was infectious.
Why This Went Viral Instantly
Real Reactions > Staged Moments
In a world full of filters and polished social content, fans crave realness. That’s why this moment hit so hard. Simone and Nellie didn’t pose. They didn’t perform. They lived the moment—and people online felt that.
Twitter, TikTok, and Derby Madness
Social Media Erupted Within Seconds
Once the footage hit the internet, it took on a life of its own. Fans reposted. Memes followed. Hashtags like #BilesDerbyReaction and #DerbyMoments began trending. It wasn’t just a race—it was a movement.
From Gold Medals to Derby Glam
Simone’s Style Game Was Strong
Oh, and did we mention Simone Biles slayed the Derby look? Wide-brim hat, elegant dress, effortless glam. She went from mat to mint julep vibes seamlessly. Fans praised not just her reaction, but her killer outfit.
Celebs + Horses = Internet Gold
Why Star Reactions Make These Events Iconic
Let’s face it—celebrities reacting like regular people is the new red carpet. It humanizes them. It connects us. And when it’s someone as beloved as Simone Biles? That’s social media magic.
The Power of Relatable Joy
Why the Biles Duo Stands Out
Their relationship is special. You can see it in every laugh, every scream, every hug. In that Derby moment, you saw not just a mother and daughter—but best friends living their best lives. And we were all invited to the party.
The Kentucky Derby Finish—What Went Down
The Heart-Stopping Final Stretch
The Derby itself was a thriller—tight race, bold moves, and a finish so close you needed a slow-mo replay. It was drama. It was heart. And it set the perfect stage for the Biles’ unforgettable reaction.
Behind the Scenes: What Happened Next
Post-Reaction Laughs and Interviews
Later, Simone and Nellie laughed about it. Simone joked that her heart was still racing. Nellie claimed she “might’ve pulled something.” Fans appreciated the humor and humanity behind the viral moment.
Why Fans Can’t Get Enough of This Duo
Real, Unfiltered, Unapologetically Themselves
Simone and Nellie are more than internet gold—they’re emotional gold. Whether it’s gymnastics or the racetrack, they bring authenticity in a world that often lacks it.
The Bigger Picture—Shared Joy Across Screens
A Moment That Connected Millions
For a split second, everyone watching—whether in the stands or scrolling online—felt a shared spark. That’s the beauty of events like the Derby. And when someone like Simone Biles helps amplify that, it sticks.
The Role of Family in Big Moments
Nellie: Simone’s Rock—Then and Now
We’ve seen Nellie cheering from the sidelines during Olympic competitions. But this wasn’t about performance. It was about presence. Being there, in the moment, and celebrating life’s little wins—together.
What This Says About Simone Biles Off the Mat
She’s Just Like Us (But Cooler)
Simone Biles may be a world-class athlete, but this reaction proved she’s also just a person who gets hyped watching a horse race with her mom. And honestly? That’s what makes her so beloved.
Conclusion: A Viral Moment That Galloped into Our Hearts
Simone Biles and her mom Nellie didn’t plan to become the stars of the Kentucky Derby. But that’s the magic of authenticity—it happens when you least expect it. Their reaction wasn’t just funny or adorable. It was genuine joy, caught on camera, and shared with the world. In an age where everything feels staged, these spontaneous moments remind us what it means to just be in it. That’s why this clip is everywhere—and why we’ll keep smiling every time we see it.
