CLEVELAND — The 2019 Kentucky Derby was full of surprises, from disqualifications to long shot winners, but one of the best surprises came from Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield attended the historic race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as events leading up to it. He was spotted on Friday in a group that included Indianapolis Colts QB Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman and none other than Patriots QB Tom Brady, who was hard to spot behind Mayfield's bright pink suit.
It's #KyDerby SZN for Tom Brady, Baker Mayfield and co.
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 4, 2019
📷 @benrawitz pic.twitter.com/oWUxBNVtwa
On Saturday, Mayfield took to the races and, considering his charismatic nature, was fittingly invited to give the “Riders Up” call to the jockeys prior to the annual horse racing event.
“Riders Up!” is the traditional command from the Paddock Judge for jockeys to mount their horses in advance of the upcoming race.
Since 2012, Churchill Downs has reserved that command for a dignitary or celebrity attendee when they come to the Kentucky Derby, and this year Mayfield made Cleveland proud by earning that honor.
Watch Mayfield give the “Riders Up” command below:
“Riders up!”
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 4, 2019
That’s our quarterback!@bakermayfield | #KentuckyDerby 🐎 pic.twitter.com/6I8KSltSI5
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