Gymnast Livvy Dunne, former MLB star Jayson Werth to host at SI Club during 2025 Kentucky Derby

Posted by author February 25, 2025 Horse Racing

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Churchill Downs has announced that LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne and former MLB player Jayson Werth will be featured guests at the track’s Club SI for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, respectively.
Werth, a former World Series champion and horse racing enthusiast, will be at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3.
Club SI is a luxury dining experience at Churchill Downs that offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at the races.

Churchill Downs has announced the celebrity hosts who will be featured in the Club SI section of the historic racetrack for the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.

All-American National Champion gymnast Olivia “Livvy” Dunne and ex-Major League Baseball star Jayson Werth will meet and greet guests in the Sports Illustrated Club SI, a popular luxury dining experience, for the 151 running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, respectively.

Here’s what to know about the celebrity guests and Club SI at Churchill Downs:

Who is Olivia “Livvy” Dunne?

Dunne is a gymnast at LSU and the world’s most followed NCAA athlete, garnering more than 15 million followers across all social media channels. Additionally, Dunne is a trailblazer as one of the faces of college sports’ name, image and likeness (NIL) era, founding The Livvy Fund to empower underrepresented female student-athletes. Recognized by Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Top Creator lists, she has excelled as a brand advocate and role model leveraging her connection with her audience across sports, fashion and lifestyle.

During the Kentucky Oaks, on Friday, May 2, Dunne will be the featured guest at Club SI.

Who is Jayson Werth?

Werth is a former 15-year outfielder who played with the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals from 2002 to 2017.

While with the Phillies, he won a World Series championship in 2008 and was named an All-Star in 2009. Werth joined the Nationals in 2011 and was later named to that team’s Ring of Honor. After baseball, Werth turned his passion for competition to horse racing and formed Two Eight Racing, a nod to his MLB uniform number. In 2024, he owned 10% of Dornoch, who won the Belmont Stakes. That passion led Werth to establish ICON Racing, a traditional syndicate bringing together his friends, family, and colleagues in the sport he has grown to love.

Werth will be the celebrity guest during the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3 in Club SI. In addition, during his Derby Week activities, Werth will record an episode of his podcast “Off the Rail with ICON Racing,” from Club SI.

What is Club SI?

Offering guests an unparalleled behind-the-scenes experience, Club SI offers luxury dining with an immersive view of the Paddock and Paddock Runway. The interior design of Club SI showcases iconic Sports Illustrated magazine covers and editorial featuring past Kentucky Derby races, and a sneak peek into Sports Illustrated’s new SI Resorts vertical.

Club SI, a multi-year exclusive partnership between Churchill Downs Racetrack and Sports Illustrated, debuted at the 2024 Kentucky Derby and offers guests a modern, sophisticated race day experience as part of the racetrack’s recent $200 million Paddock Project.

Club SI is open on select premium race days throughout the year at Churchill Downs. Guests have the option to book dining tables, indulge in gourmet dishes from the curated Chef’s Table Buffet, visit dedicated wagering windows and private bars, and enjoy outdoor trackside viewing for live races. Steps from the club, guests are treated to the SI Enclosure which delivers a front-row experience of the Paddock with covered outdoor dining tables.

Limited tickets for the 2025 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby are available by calling 502-636-4447 or visiting kentuckyderby.com.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.