New York Giants star quarterback Jaxson Dart and his girlfriend, Marissa Ayers, dressed to the nines for last weekend's Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby
15:54 ET, 06 May 2026
Jaxson Dart and Marissa Ayers stunned at the 2026 Kentucky Derby
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Jaxson Dart and Marissa Ayers stunned at the 2026 Kentucky Derby(Image: Getty Images)
New York Giants star quarterback Jaxson Dart and his girlfriend, Marissa Ayers, provided fans with a behind-the-scenes look into their eventful weekend at Churchill Downs.
During Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, Golden Tempo made his way through a field of 17 other horses around the final turn before making a hard charge down the last stretch. The race-winner eventually passed Renegade in a photo finish to emerge victorious at 2:02.27.
Dart and Ayers dressed for the occasion, sporting traditional Derby hats, a floral dress and a seersucker suit at the first leg of the Triple Crown, as well as Friday’s Kentucky Oaks.
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Taking to social media on Tuesday, Ayers shared a series of snaps from the couple’s outing. The model influencer donned a strapless pink peplum dress with white pointed heels and a floral shaped hat, while Dart wore a matching plaid suit jacket with blue pants and shoes.
“Pretty in pink for the Kentucky oaks,” Ayers captioned the Instagram carousel alongside a pink bow emoji.
One day later, Dart was recognized by NBC Sports as the “Best Dressed Gentleman” at the 2026 Kentucky Derby, which possesses a strict dress code.
“Derby fashion is all about style and tradition,” the official dress code reads. “For women, colorful dresses and bold hats are the norm. For men, seersucker suits, bow ties, and fedoras are popular. Comfort meets Southern charm!
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“Men typically wear colorful suits or sports coats, often in bold prints, pastels, or preppy plaids. Pair it with a dress shirt, tie or bowtie, and stylish loafers or dress shoes. A fedora or bowler hat adds a classic Derby touch. The key is polished, springtime flair — don’t be afraid to stand out!
“The Kentucky Derby has a dress code that encourages guests to wear upscale attire. This often includes hats for women and suits or dresses for both men and women.”
Dart dazzled in a Dolce & Gabbana white pinstripe suit with a black polka-dot shirt and Bellissimo Panama hat. The signal-caller revealed that he put the look together at the “last minute” with help from his mother.
“This one was kind of last minute put together,” Dart told NBC Sports. “So my mom helped put the pieces [together] and whatnot. She did a great job. I love it.”
Jaxson Dart was named the best dressed gentleman at the 2026 Kentucky Derby
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Jaxson Dart was named the best dressed gentleman at the 2026 Kentucky Derby(Image: Getty Images)
When asked what he was most excited about regarding the Kentucky Derby, Dart replied: “Shoot, everything. I went to my first Derby last year, so when we had that experience as a family I was like, ‘Alright, we gotta mark this day off of our calendar and make sure we’re here every year.
“So, really excited about it, got the whole fam here. So excited to watch them run.”
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As for which horse he was backing to win, Dart explained: “I was thinking Renegade for the longest, but just because he’s on the rail I’m kind of going with Commandment. So that’s what we’re going with in sixth.”