Kentucky Derby payout breakdown: How much prize money will the winner get in 2026?

Kentucky Derby payout breakdown: How much prize money will the winner get in 2026? originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The Kentucky Derby is the biggest event of the year for horse racing fans and competitors alike, both for the pageantry of the event and the cash incentives on the line. This year's event is no different, with millions in the purse for the event's top five finishers. 20 horses and jockeys will be competing for the largest share of this purse, valued at over $3 million.

Legends are made at Churchill Downs each year, and these 20 jockeys hope to be the next in that elusive club to win in Kentucky. Here's everything to know about the 2026 Kentucky Derby purse, including payouts to the winner and each of the top five finishers. MORE : Important details on Churchill Downs location, ownership, length What is the Kentucky Derby purse in 2026?

The purse for this year's derby is unchanged from the past two derbies. The total money distributed is $5 million. How much money does the Kentucky Derby winner get?