Kentucky Derby Jockey Salary and Race Fees
A Kentucky Derby jockey typically earns a base salary from their agent and a mount fee for each race. For the Kentucky Derby, mount fees usually range from $500 to $1,000 per ride. Top jockeys can also negotiate higher guaranteed salaries with stable owners during the meet.
Purse Percentage and Winning Earnings
Jockeys earn a percentage of the purse when their horse finishes in the money. For the Kentucky Derby, the winning jockey usually receives about 10 percent of the owner's share of the purse. In 2023, the Kentucky Derby purse was $5 million, meaning the winning jockey earned a significant six-figure payout from the race alone. Learn more about purse distribution at kentuckyderby.com.
Annual Earnings and Top Earners
Top Kentucky Derby jockeys can earn well over $1 million per year when combining salaries, mount fees, and purse percentages across a full meet. Earnings depend on the number of races won, the purses involved, and the jockey's negotiation power with trainers and owners.
