Co-Owner’s Alleged ‘NDA’ Remark Fuels Taylor Swift Derby Buzz

The Kentucky Derby is already one of the most high-profile events in sports, drawing global attention every year. But this time around, the buzz isn’t just about the horses or the odds. A wave of speculation surrounding Taylor Swift has added an unexpected celebrity twist, putting even more eyes on her relationship with Travis Kelce heading into race day.

Speculation is heating up ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, after a viral post claimed Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may be tied to one of the race’s contenders.

According to a post circulating on X, the couple is rumored to have taken a 10% ownership stake in Derby horse The Puma. “Source tells me that Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift are now 10% owners of Kentucky Derby starter The Puma,” the account wrote.

The claim has not been confirmed, and no official statements from ownership groups, racing insiders, or verified sources have supported it.

Rumor Spreads Beyond Social Media

Despite the lack of confirmation, the speculation has gained serious traction, and it’s not just online. Reports suggest the chatter has made its way to Churchill Downs itself, where trainers, jockeys, and owners are allegedly discussing the possibility of celebrity involvement in the race.

Even without proof, the buzz is only adding to the intrigue of an already high-stakes event. “T. Swift saves horse racing,” one X user wrote as another chimed in with, “big day for for swifties with gambling addiction (me).”

Others, however, note that the Met Gala is the following day, making them skeptical of the rumors.

Co-Owner Fuels Speculation With Cryptic Response

Adding fuel to the fire, Michael Iavarone, a co-owner of The Puma, addressed the rumors in a way that only intensified the conversation.

According to Heavy, Iavarone shared a photo on Instagram, writing, “Ok people. Everyone asking me if Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are partners on The Puma… all I can say is I signed an NDA so I can’t confirm or deny,” adding a winky face emoji. However, it seems the post has since been deleted.

Iavarone, who previously gained national attention as the majority owner of 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, stopped short of confirming anything, but his response has only added to the mystery.

Kentucky Derby Spotlight Extends Beyond The Track

While the race itself remains the main event, this year’s Kentucky Derby is also playing a major role in NBC’s milestone celebration. As the network approaches its 100th anniversary, it’s using the high-profile race as the launchpad for its latest NBC100 campaign.

Dubbed “Summer on NBC,” the 30-second promo will air during Derby coverage on both NBC and Peacock, while also rolling out across digital, social, and streaming platforms. The spot highlights the network’s lineup of live programming and major tentpole events, reinforcing its focus on must-watch, real-time viewing.

From fan-favorite competition series like “America’s Got Talent” and “American Ninja Warrior” to live sports coverage including Major League Baseball, the promo also teases major seasonal moments like the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks and the Summer Olympics, positioning the Derby as more than just a race, but a centerpiece in NBC’s broader summer strategy.

Full Field Revealed As Favorites Begin To Emerge

As of Thursday, the full lineup for the Kentucky Derby is set, with 24 horses officially entered into the race:

Renegade, Albus, Intrepido, Litmus Test, Right To Party, Commandment, Danon Bourbon, So Happy, The Puma, Wonder Dean, Incredibolt, Chief Wallabee, Potente, Emerging Market, Pavlovian, Six Speed, Further Ado, Golden Tempo, Fulleffort, Great White, Ocelli, Robusta, and Corona De Oro.

Heading into race weekend, a few contenders are already separating themselves from the pack. Renegade leads as the early favorite at 5/1 odds, followed closely by So Happy at 6/1. Commandment, The Puma, and Further Ado are also drawing attention at 7/1, positioning them as strong challengers in what’s shaping up to be a highly competitive field.

With the Kentucky Derby set to take place in Louisville as the first leg of the Triple Crown, all eyes will be on how the favorites hold up as odds continue to shift heading into race day.