Woman's outfit wins her a car at Kentucky Derby thanks to Jimmy Fallon and Ford

A Louisville woman was revved up on race day after winning a new vehicle at Churchill Downs Racetrack just ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby.

The new wheels are courtesy of “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon and Ford Motor Co.'s collaboration on a sweepstakes to award winners brand-new Bronco SUVs , F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid Trucks and Mustang Mach-E SUVs . Each winner selects the vehicle of their choice.

Fallon was at the track on Saturday seeking the best-dressed Derby goers.

Win a new Ford: Here's how

He brought the woman, who identified herself as Melanie O‘Leary from Louisville, on camera at the Ford Clubhouse activation and delivered the good news her red and black getup had garnered her the title of “Ford Most Adored” and she could pick one of the three vehicles.

“I feel like I won the Kentucky Derby!” she told Fallon before walking off to select her car.

But some folks on social media were less than impressed with the gesture of the car company and late-night show host.

“Dear @Ford , if you can afford to attend the @KentuckyDerby , you can probably afford a new car yourself. Worst giveaway ever. #Derby @jimmyfallon #KentuckyDerby150 ,” one said.

Others thought the selected winner was a plant.

“You’re telling me that this lady was picked by Ford for the best dressed at the Kentucky Derby and she gets to pick whatever car she wants because of it?”

People can be mean.

It hasn’t yet been revealed what car the onsite winner selected.

But the sweepstakes is open through 3 p.m. pacific time May 5. Hopefuls can enter at tonightshow.com/fordderbyday . Winners will be announced on May 5.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com: @cherylvjackson .

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Woman's outfit wins her a car at Kentucky Derby thanks to Jimmy Fallon and Ford