Here’s how much the winner of the Kentucky Derby will get

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 2. Horses, jockeys and owners are looking to write their names in the record books with a win. Along with the prestige, the winner also receives a gold trophy, a blanket of roses for the horse and a pretty substantial payday.  

According to the Kentucky Derby, in 2024, the purse for the race was elevated to a guaranteed $5 million. That money is split between the top five finishers of the race. “These record purse increases are a symbol of the health of horse racing in Kentucky,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

The $5 million purse remains the standard for the 2026 running of the race.

With the $5 million total purse up for grabs, here is how it is broken down between the top finishers.

• 1st place: $3.1 million
• 2nd place: $1 million
• 3rd place: $500,000
• 4th place: $250,000
• 5th place: $150,000

The $3.1 million first-place prize is not kept entirely by the horse’s owner. Industry agreements typically allocate an 80/10/10 split. Here are the estimated breakdowns:

• Owner: Approximately 80% ($2.48 million)
• Trainer: 10% ($310,000)
• Jockey: 10% ($310,000)

These numbers can vary slightly based on specific contracts, but the 80/10/10 split is typical.

Owners are on the hook for several upfront costs, including a $25,000 entry fee and several other fees ahead of the race.

The $5 million purse at Churchill Downs is by far the largest of the other Triple Crown races. The purses for both the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes are both $2 million.

The Derby purse has grown substantially over the decades. Here is the breakdown:

• 2024–present: $5 million guaranteed ($3.1M to winner)
• 2019–2023: $3 million guaranteed ($1.86M to winner)
• 2005–2018: $2 million guaranteed
• Earlier eras featured significantly smaller purses, with the race offering just $1,000-added in its inaugural 1875 running.