The 2025 Kentucky Derby is back with an exciting race and a lucrative purse awaiting the winners. On May 3, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, 19 horses and their jockeys will compete in a 1.25-mile race. This year, the purse stands at a staggering $5 million, setting a new record in the racing world, exceeding the payouts from the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, the other races in the Triple Crown.
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Among the contenders for the victory in the 2025 Derby is the horse Journalism, with odds of 3–1 and co-owned by Aron Wellman. Riding Journalism will be the experienced two-time Kentucky Derby-winning jockey, Umberto Rispoli. Aron Wellman expressed his excitement for the upcoming race, highlighting the unmatched thrill of the Kentucky Derby and the joy of owning a high-profile horse like Journalism.
This year’s Kentucky Derby winner is set to take home an impressive $3.1 million from the $5 million purse, according to race officials. The substantial prize money doesn’t stop at the winner; significant payouts will also be awarded to the second through fifth-place finishers, showcasing the rewards for excellence in this prestigious race.
Jockeys participating in the Kentucky Derby are usually hired on a race-to-race basis. They receive a fixed amount upfront from the horse owners and then earn a percentage (typically 5-10%) of the prize money for each race they win. In the previous year, the winning jockey, Brian Hernandez Jr., took home 10% of the prize money, securing $310,000 for his victory with Mystik Dan.
In addition to the jockey, the horse’s trainer plays a crucial role in their success. Trainers also receive a 10% share of the prize money, making it a collective effort among the horse’s team to achieve victory in the Kentucky Derby. Following the 2024 race, Mystik Dan’s trainer, Kenny McPeek, earned $310,000 from their triumph.
Looking back at previous editions of the Kentucky Derby, the purse has seen significant growth over the years. In 2024, the prize money reached a milestone of $5 million, with Mystik Dan’s team pocketing $3.1 million. The continuous increase in the purse reflects the thriving nature of horse racing in Kentucky and the enduring appeal of the Kentucky Derby.
While the Kentucky Derby boasts an impressive purse, the title for the richest horse race globally belongs to events like the Saudi Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and The Everest in Sydney, Australia, both offering a massive $20 million purse. However, when it comes to the Triple Crown races, the Kentucky Derby leads the pack with its substantial payout, overshadowing the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes in financial rewards.
As we await the outcome of the 2025 Kentucky Derby and witness the thrill of horse racing at its finest, the stakes are high not just for the competitors but also for the owners, jockeys, and trainers vying for a share of the impressive $5 million purse. The tradition and prestige of the Kentucky Derby continue to captivate audiences worldwide, making it a premier event in the horse racing calendar.