Insights on the 2025 Kentucky Derby Jockeys and Prize Money Distribution
An overview of the financial rewards for the jockeys at the upcoming Kentucky Derby, highlighting the purse distribution and the backgrounds of the competing jockeys.
Key Highlights from the 2025 Kentucky Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby is poised to offer a purse of $5 million, making it one of the richest races globally. The prize money for the top five finishers includes $3.1 million to the winner, significantly increasing from previous years.
Breakdown of the Prize Money
- First Place: $3.1 million
- Second Place: $1 million
- Third Place: $500,000
- Fourth Place: $250,000
- Fifth Place: $150,000
Earnings for the Winning Jockey
Jockeys generally earn a base fee of $500, but they can earn a substantial bonus from the purse split. The owner’s share is typically 80%, leaving 10% each for the jockey and the trainer. For instance, last year’s winning jockey, Brian Hernandez Jr., earned $310,000.
Competing Jockeys
The Derby will feature 20 jockeys, including notable names:
- Martin Garcia: Citizen Bull (20-1)
- Flavien Prat: Neoquos (30-1)
- Mike Smith: Rodriguez (12-1)
Former winners such as Mike Smith and John Velazquez are among the competitors. Several jockeys, including Juan Vargas and Nik Juarez, will be making their Derby debut.
Historical Context
Bob Baffert returns to the Derby after a three-year ban and has two horses in the race.
This year’s race is highly competitive, and all eyes will be on Journalism, the morning line favorite.
