A Kentucky Derby jockey typically earns about 10% of the winning purse. For the 2025 Kentucky Derby, the total purse is $5 million, with the winner receiving $3.1 million. Therefore, the winning jockey's share would be approximately $310,000
. However, the jockey does not keep the entire amount. Around 25% of the jockey's earnings usually go to their agent and about 5% to their valet, plus taxes, which significantly reduces the take-home pay
. So, after these deductions, the jockey might keep roughly 65-70% of that $310,000, which is still a substantial payout for a single race. Jockeys who finish second or third generally earn about 5% of the prize money, which translates to around $50,000 and $25,000 respectively for the 2025 Derby
. In summary, a Kentucky Derby winning jockey can expect to make around $310,000 before deductions, with the final amount after agent, valet fees, and taxes being somewhat less but still a significant payday for the race
