How much does a Kentucky Derby jockey make? Highest paid, average salary and more to know
Kentucky Derby jockeys earn a percentage of their horse's winnings, with the 2026 race offering a $3.1 million prize for first place. A winning jockey typically receives 10% of the purse, though agent and valet fees reduce the final take-home amount. Earnings vary significantly based on race performance and are not guaranteed through long-term contracts.
- ▪The 2026 Kentucky Derby offers a total purse of $5 million, with $3.1 million awarded to the first-place horse.
- ▪Jockeys usually receive 10% of the horse's winnings, which would be $310,000 for the 2026 winner before deductions.
- ▪After a 25% agent fee and a 5% valet fee, the winning jockey's payout is reduced to approximately $217,000 before taxes.
- ▪Jockeys are typically hired on a race-to-race basis rather than under long-term contracts.
- ▪The jockey's cut for second and third place is generally around 5% of the respective prize amounts.
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