Horse Play: Black Stars Represented At The Kentucky Derby

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

Watching shows like 'Access Hollywood' cover the Kentucky Derby one would never know that some of the biggest and best black sports and Hollywood stars made the trek to Louisville, Kentucky for the big race and its festivities.

I was hosted by Grand Gala and its founder Rohena Miller during the must-attend sports weekend.

Grand Gala is an organization that has not only worked to diversify the Kentucky Derby by bringing in African-American celebrities, athletes and business leaders, but they are also involved with various philanthropic initiatives via its 828 Foundation.

Grand Gala's other guests this year included Michael Jordan, Gabrielle Union ('Ugly Betty'), Dwyane Wade, Tichina Arnold ('Everybody Hates Chris'), 'American Idol' winner Taylor Hicks, Michael Strahan (New York Giants) and girlfriend Nicole Murphy (ex-wife of Eddie Murphy), Lynn Whitfield ('Madea's Family Reunion'), basketball legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Hollywood executive Tracey E. Edmonds, Will Demps (Houston Texans), Chenoa Maxwell ('HavPlenty'), Warrick Dunn (Atlanta Falcons), Amobi Okoye (Houston Texans), Carl Anthony Payne ('Martin'), NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, Jamal Munnerlyn ('TV One Access'), NFL player Byron Leftwich, BET founder Robert Johnson, Terrell Owens (Dallas Cowboys), Vince Young (Tennessee Titans), retired NBA star Allan Houston, NASCAR's Max Siegel (Dale Earnhardt Inc.), Chester Pitts (Houston Texans) and former NBA star Charles Oakley.

Grand Gala kicked off its festivities with a VIP reception at the Louisville Marriott Downtown, where there was an original art auction and a performance by jazz musician Marcus Johnson.

Most headed over to the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center for Playboy's 'Crown Royal Barbershop Lounge' afterwards.

While DJ Kid Capri spun records, folks like singer Joey Fatone, Randy Moss (New England Patriots), 90's pop diva Taylor Dayne, golf great Lee Elder, Tom Brady (New England Patriots) and many of Grand Gala's guests partied in the VIP.

Playboy Playmates strolled around and media mogul Hugh Hefner looked on proudly.

Saturday before the race, I was invited to a benefit brunch at the home of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

The exclusive affair only had about 40 or so guests, who dined on the decadent spread prepared by Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse.

Ruby, who owns restaurants in Louisville, Cincinnati and Belterra, Indiana, became infamous during the 2007 Derby for refusing to serve O.J. Simpson at his location at the Galt House Hotel.

Surprisingly, he received a lot of backlash from people who were upset about his decision. (I personally didn't think Black people still cared about Simpson.)

During a speech at the brunch, Rudy said it was Ali who assured him he had made the right decision.

"He congratulated me for not serving O.J. Simpson. He told me he was proud of me for not serving him. That meant the world to me," the restaurateur shared.

Boxing great Lenox Lewis – one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet – made a $40,000 check presentation to the Muhammad Ali Center on behalf of NBC's 'Celebrity Apprentice.'

At the track, guests wined and dined in Grand Gala's new suite located in the Millionaire Row section of Churchill Downs.

Our suite was popular because of the presence of M.J. People just flock to him!

Prince Albert of Monaco came past to meet and greet with His Airness.

But the funniest moment happened when police showed up at the suite entrance and it appeared as though something was wrong.

There wasn't! It was just 'Tell It To My Heart' singer Dayne and she had authorities escort her across the complex to the Grand Gala box because she was on a mission to meet .

She came into the suite, took photos with him , reportedly gave him her number and then had the police take her back. Talk about determination!

The horse Big Brown was the big winner of the main event.

And of course you've heard by now that second place winner Eight Belles had to be euthanized after both her front legs fractured after crossing the finish line. Sad!

None of us were aware that had happened before leaving the track, but upon our return to the hotel it was all over the local news.

At Grand Gala's black tie soiree to close the weekend out, Earth Wind & Fire turned the place out with an almost 90-minute concert set.

The Galt House's Grand Ballroom was amazingly elegant, decorated in purple and silver and featuring table displays with white light branches.

Fashion photographer Nigel Barker ('America's Next Top Model'), singer Bootsy Collins and retired boxer Lewis were also in attendance for the dinner and concert.

Additional spottings throughout the Derby weekend included Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, actress Beverly Todd ('Crash'), TV host Carson Daly and Sgt. Harvey Walden ('Celebrity Fit Club'). They were all guests of other sponsors.

Special thanks again to Rohena Miller and Grand Gala for an awesome Kentucky Derby weekend. Their efforts to maximize the diversity of the Kentucky Derby are certainly commendable!