The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a Run for the Roses. There’s also a lot of money to be made.
The 2026 race had a $5 million purse for the third year in a row, with about $3.1 million going to the winning horse, Golden Tempo, and its team.
Here’s a rundown of the payouts for the top-five horses:
Golden Tempo: $3.1 million
Renegade: $1 million
Ocelli: $500,000
Chief Wallabee: $250,000
Danon Bourbon: $150,000
Of that $3.1 million for the winner, 80% goes to the horse’s owners. Trainer Cherie DeVaux, the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, gets 10% and jockey Jose Ortiz gets the last 10%.
And while the winning jockey would then technically collect $310,000, they share that with their valet and agent.
What about a trophy?
Yes, there is a trophy, aptly named The Kentucky Derby Trophy. It’s 22 inches tall and made of 14-karat gold. That trophy goes to the winning owner, while the horse’s connections — trainer, jockey and breeder — receive a half-sized replica made of silver.
Kentucky Derby 2026 current odds
(Post number; odds as of Saturday afternoon)
1. Renegade 6-1
2. Albus 44-1
3. Intrepido 47-1
4. Litmus Test 25-1
5. Right to Party 26-1 (Scratch)
6. Commandment 5-1
7. Danon Bourbon 14-1
8. So Happy 5-1
9. The Puma 8-1 (Scratch)
10. Wonder Dean 26-1
11. Incredibolt 24-1
12. Chief Wallabee 7-1
13. Silent Tactic 38-1 (Scratch)
14. Potente 19-1
15. Emerging Market 9-1
16. Pavlovian 47-1
17. Six Speed 34-1
18. Further Ado 6-1
19. Golden Tempo 24-1
20. Fulleffort 19-1 (Scratch)
21. Great White 22-1
22. Ocelli 78-1
23. Robusta 77-1
