How Much Money Does The Winning Jockey Earn At The Kentucky Derby?

The 2025 Kentucky Derby carries a purse of $5 million for the second consecutive year. The purse was $3 million until Churchill Downs’ backing added $2 million.

The horse that etches its name in history and enters the winners’ circle will earn $3 million.

Second and third place walks away with $1 million and $500,000, respectively.

The top five payouts:

• First: $3.1 million
• Second: $1 million
• Third: $500,000
• Fourth: $250,000
• Fifth: $150,000

Kentucky Derby 2025: How Much Does The Winning Jockey Make?

With $3 million going to the winner, how much of that purse goes to the jockey?

Three people — owner, trainer, and jockey — are awarded money with a win.

The typical revenue split is 80% to the owner, 10% to the trainer, and 10% to the jockey.

10% of $3.1 million is $310,000, a great payday for the winning jockey.

Let’s look at the 2024 Kentucky Derby to see a payout breakdown.

2024 Kentucky Derby Payout Breakdown:

1st Place (Mystik Dan): $3.1 million
2nd Place (Sierra Leone): $1 million
3rd Place (Forever Young): $500,000
4th Place (Catching Freedom): $250,000
5th Place (T O Password): $150,000

Brian Hernandez Jr. was on the back of Mystik Dan and earned $310,000.

The winning jockey, Brian Hernandez Jr., earned 10% of the first-place prize, taking home $310,000—a massive payday for a two-minute ride!

2025 Kentucky Derby Field: Horses, Trainers, Jockeys, Odds

Via Kentuckyderby.com on 5/1