Livvy Dunne’s first Kentucky Oaks did not go exactly to plan as she was mocked for her ‘Rider’s Up’ call before the race.
The now-former LSU gymnast was selected for the honor on Friday – with her announcement broadcast on NBC Sports – but what resulted was an awkward few seconds.
‘Kentucky Oaks fans,’ she began. ‘Now, for the annual tradition, we’ve all been looking forward to. Rider’s Up.’
During the announcement, Dunne appeared to look down several times at a teleprompter, and also received no applause from the crowd.
And social media users criticized her afterwards for what they believed was a lack of energy from the social media star.
‘I’ve been to funerals more hype than this,’ one said on X.
Livvy Dune was criticized for her renditon of the ‘Rider’s Up’ remarks at the Kentucky Oaks
Earlier in the day, she gave fans a glimpse of the all-pink outfit she wore to the Kentucky Oaks
‘Exhilarating,’ another appeared to say sarcastically.
‘Terrible,’ a third added. ‘She doesn’t know horses or the event. Just stupid publicity.’
And a fourth said, ‘Why she looking down so much can she not remember 2 sentences.’
The moment came after Dunne – who recently announced the end of her athletic career – took to TikTok to show off her all-pink outfit for her first Oaks.
‘Your girl’s first derby :)’, she captioned the video
The following day, she switched up her attire with a white dress covered in black polka dots and a black mesh trim that she wore to the racecourse.
Dunne switched out her outfit for the Kentucky Derby with a white-and-polka-dot dress
To complete the look, she also matched it with a white hat with a black bow on top and a luxury Chanel bag.
Simone Biles and Aaron Rodgers were also among the big names at Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
The 151st edition of the historic race was won by Sovereignty, followed by Journalism in second and Baeza in third.
Dunne revealed last week that her gymnastics career is over after LSU’s national title bid ended in defeat.
‘Gymnastics, you have filled my heart and shaped be a part of me,’ she said in a video put together by LSU.
‘You’ve shaped me into the person I am today, creating memories and sisterhoods that will last a life support. You are my first love.
