Jockeys competing in the Kentucky Derby typically earn a guaranteed riding fee of at least $500 for participating in the race. However, the major earnings come from a share of the prize money if their horse finishes in the top positions. For the 2025 Kentucky Derby, the total purse is $5 million, with the winner's share being $3.1 million. The winning jockey usually receives about 10% of the winner's purse. This means the winning jockey can earn approximately $310,000. This figure includes the jockey's prize money share plus their fixed race fee. For example, in 2024, Brian Hernandez Jr. earned about $310,000 for winning the Derby on Mystic Dan
. Jockeys finishing second and third typically receive around 5% of the prize money for those positions, which translates to about $50,000 for second place and $25,000 for third place. The remainder of the purse is split mainly between the horse's owner (about 80%) and the trainer (about 10%)
. It is also worth noting that a portion of the jockey's earnings (around 30%) may go to their agent, valet, and taxes, reducing the net amount they take home
