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Kentucky Derby payout breakdown: How much prize money will the winner get in 2026?
TL;DR
The 2026 Kentucky Derby will feature a purse exceeding $3 million, with significant prize money for the top five finishers. Competitors will include 20 horses and jockeys aiming for victory at Churchill Downs.
Key points
- 2026 Kentucky Derby purse exceeds $3 million
- 20 horses and jockeys will compete
- Significant prize money for top five finishers
Kentucky Derby payout breakdown: How much prize money will the winner get in 2026? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Kentucky Derby is the biggest event of the year for horse racing fans and competitors alike, both for the pageantry of the event and the cash incentives on the line.
This year's event is no different, with millions in the purse for the event's top five finishers. 20 horses and jockeys will be competing for the largest share of this purse, valued at over $3 million.
Legends are made at Churchill Downs each year, and these 20 jockeys hope to be the next in that elusive club to win in Kentucky.
Here's everything to know about the 2026 Kentucky Derby purse, including payouts to the winner and each of the top five finishers.
MORE: Important details on Churchill Downs location, ownership, length
What is the Kentucky Derby purse in 2026?
The purse for this year's derby is unchanged from the past two derbies. The total money distributed is $5 million.
How much money does the Kentucky Derby winner get?
The winner's share of the purse also stays the same. The money is split among the top five with the winner earning $3.1 million, which is about 62% of the total share.
MORE: An inside look at Kentucky Derby hats tradition
Kentucky Derby prize money breakdown 2026
This year's purse remains split among the top five in the same ratio, with a top-loaded amount going to this year's champion.
| Place | Prize money | Percentage of purse |
| First | $3.1 million | 62 percent |
| Second | $1 million | 20 percent |
| Third | $500,000 | 10 percent |
| Fourth | $250,000 | 5 percent |
| Fifth | $150,000 | 3 percent |
MORE:2026 Kentucky Derby post positions
Kentucky Derby prize money compared to other Triple Crown races
The Kentucky Derby payout remains higher than both Preakness and Belmont in 2026.
| Race | Date | Total 2026 purse |
| Kentucky Derby | May 3 | $5 million |
| Preakness Stakes | May 17 | $2 million |
| Belmont Stakes | June 10 | $2 million |
Q&A
What is the total purse for the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The total purse for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is valued at over $3 million.
How many horses will compete in the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
There will be 20 horses competing in the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
What are the cash incentives for the top finishers in the Kentucky Derby?
The cash incentives for the top five finishers in the Kentucky Derby are substantial, contributing to the overall purse of over $3 million.
