Introduction to the Kentucky Derby

The biggest event in horse racing is upon us.
The Kentucky Derby, which has been held annually on the first Saturday of May since 1875, is back for its 151st edition.

Prestige and Prize Money

Winning the Derby is a prestigious achievement within the sport and a career-defining moment for the owners and trainers, but the icing on the cake is the record-tying $5 million purse that will be awarded to the top five horses and their jockeys.
With the highly anticipated race approaching, here’s a look at the purse and how it’s distributed:

Distribution of the Purse

Twenty horses compete in the 1.25-mile event, but only the top five finishers in the race will get part of the cash prize.

Total Purse for 2025

The total purse is $5 million in 2025, equal to 2024 and up from $3 million in 2023.

Prize Money for the Winner

The first-place winner will get $3.1 million, with the jockey taking home $310,000.
The second-place finisher will take home $1 million, followed by third-place $500,000, fourth-place $250,000 and fifth-place $150,000.

Comparison with Other Triple Crown Races

The Kentucky Derby has the highest purse of the Triple Crown races.
Both the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes had $2 million purses in 2024.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article was published in May 2023.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert’s suspension from Churchill Downs has been extended through 2024, keeping him out of the upcoming Kentucky Derby. Here are five things to know about one of the most successful figures in horse racing.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Derby is a highly anticipated event that offers a significant purse to its winners. The distribution of the purse is clear, with the first-place winner receiving the largest share. The event’s prestige and prize money make it a highlight of the horse racing calendar.

FAQs

• Q: How much is the total purse for the Kentucky Derby in 2025?
  • A: The total purse is $5 million.
• Q: How much does the first-place winner receive?
  • A: The first-place winner receives $3.1 million, with the jockey taking home $310,000.
• Q: Which race has the highest purse among the Triple Crown races?
  • A: The Kentucky Derby has the highest purse.
• Q: How many horses compete in the Kentucky Derby?
  • A: Twenty horses compete in the event.
• Q: How many finishers receive part of the cash prize?
  • A: Only the top five finishers receive part of the cash prize.