Celebrity News

Celebrities horse around at Derby party

Celebrities of all types came out to party on Kentucky Derby eve, putting the spotlight on Louisville the night before the world's best known horse race.

"I come for the food. I come for the parties. I come to meet people from all over, from sports to politics to Hollywood," said model-actress Molly Sims, from Murray, Ky. "The Derby is more than just a race."

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner and his three Playmate girlfriends -- Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson -- were expected to headline a cast of stars Friday night at the Barnstable Brown Gala, one of the biggest parties in a week filled with festivities.

Fans camped out early and were pinned behind metal barricades at the edge of the mansion's green, waiting through heavy rains and thunderstorms to get a glimpse of their favorite celebrities. About 100 people stood soaked as the celebrities began showing up around 7:30 p.m., bathed in the camera flashes that lit up the damp night.

"I like Big Brown," Hefner said, referring to the 3-1 morning line favorite. "I know a good thoroughbred when I see one."

Patricia Barnstable Brown and sister Priscilla Barnstable -- the former Doublemint Twins -- were co-hosting the party for the 20th year to raise funds for diabetes research at the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky.

Brown's late husband, David E. Brown, was the inspiration behind the gala. After a long battle with diabetes, he died in July 2003.

Others on the guest list included Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton; actor Edward Norton; Fox News Channel host Bill O'Reilly; and Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens.