How much money does the winning jockey at the Kentucky Derby get?
Journalism, the red-hot California thoroughbred, has carried the best odds in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, ranking as a 3-to-1 favorite. Among those with the less-favorable odds is country singer Toby Keith's horse, Render Judgment, who became a late entry after Florida Derby winner Tappan Street suffered an injury to his right foreleg. As of Thursday, Render Judgment's odds stand at 30-to-1.
Odds aside, the prizes remain the same: the prestigious Derby trophy, the red roses, an entry into the history books, and, of course, a sizeable payout.
How are jockey silks made for Kentucky Derby jockeys?
Last year, Churchill Downs Inc., host of the stakes race, announced a guaranteed $5 million Kentucky Derby purse. It was a $2 million increase over the previous purse of $3 million, established in 2019.
Unlike the payout at the Masters last month, the purse at the Kentucky Derby is not increasing this year.
Like last year, the first-place finisher will get $3.1 million of the purse. The next four will also receive payouts: $1 million for second place, $500,000 for third, $250,000 for fourth, and $150,000 for fifth.
But that payout goes to the horse's owner, not the jockey who led the horse to victory in the 2-minute-long race.
Like caddies at the Masters, jockeys of top-finishing horses receive a portion of the Kentucky Derby prize their horse lands.
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Typically, that payout is about 10% of the prize money, multiple reports say. That means the first jockey across the line Saturday could pocket $310,000.
However, as CNBC explains, roughly 30% of the jockey's winnings go toward their agent, valet, and taxes. That still outweighs the payouts the second- and third-place jockeys are in line for: $50,000 and $25,000, respectively. The remaining jockeys will profit far less.
It's also possible that the winning jockey will be the same jockey as last year: Brian Hernandez Jr. He and Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a three-horse photo finish, despite their 18-1 odds. This year, Hernandez will be jockeying to get Burnham Square across the line first (with better odds, at 8-1).
Should the jockey and their horse go on to complete the Triple Crown — which hasn't happened since 2018 — their winnings could total $550,000, before taxes and fees. Both the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes again have a purse of $2 million (unless increases are announced ahead of the mid-May and June runs, respectively), giving the winner a $1.2 million payout. If the jockey receives 10% of that, they could see a $120,000 prize before taxes and other fees.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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