Jockeys at the Kentucky Derby earn a guaranteed riding fee of at least $500 just to participate. However, the real earnings come from the prize money if their horse finishes in the top positions. The total purse for the 2025 Kentucky Derby is $5 million, with the winner's share being $3.1 million. Typically, the prize money is split as follows: 80% to the horse's owners, 10% to the trainer, and 10% to the jockey. Therefore, the winning jockey can expect to earn about 10% of the $3.1 million, which amounts to approximately $310,000. This figure was confirmed by last year's winner, Brian Hernandez Jr., who earned $310,000 for riding Mystic Dan to victory in the 2024 Derby. Some of this money may be shared with the jockey's agent and valet. For jockeys finishing second and third, the earnings are typically around 5% of their horse's prize money, translating to about $50,000 for second place and $25,000 for third place. Jockeys finishing lower still receive smaller percentages based on their horse's placement. In summary:

• Guaranteed riding fee: at least $500
• Winning jockey's typical earnings: about $310,000 (10% of $3.1 million)
• Second place jockey: around $50,000
• Third place jockey: around $25,000

These amounts reflect the 2025 Kentucky Derby purse and prize distribution structure