How much does a Kentucky Derby jockey make? Highest paid, average salary and more to know

How much does a Kentucky Derby jockey make? Highest paid, average salary and more to know originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that a lot of money is annually on the line at the Kentucky Derby. Millions of dollars in prize money gets split among top finishes at the horse race every year — and of that winning money, it gets split between a horse's team of the owner(s), trainers and jockeys. A jockey at the Kentucky Derby may not receive as much money as others involved in the sport, especially the owner of a winning horse, but hundreds of thousands can still be at stake for the riders.

Here's what to know about how much a Kentucky Derby jockey makes. MORE: When was the last Triple Crown winner? How much does a Kentucky Derby jockey make?

A Kentucky Derby jockey's pay can widely vary based on the success of the horse — typically, the jockeys are hired on a race-to-race basis, not a a long-term contract like in other sports. Because of that, the amount a jockey makes varies greatly depending on their performance. Kentucky Derby winner prize money In 2026, there is a total pursue of $5 million on the line at the Kentucky Derby, which will be split to the final positions: 1st: $3.