Kentucky Derby payout breakdown: How much prize money will the winner get in 2025?

Three-year-old thoroughbreds will dash and clash on Saturday evening in the hopes of garnering horse racing's grandest prize, the Kentucky Derby. The Run for the Roses remains a spectacle in the world of American sports culture, taking on a mythic status despite its short run time.

The legends of past iterations of the event linger within Churchill Downs' hallowed walls, with supernovas from Sir Barton and Gallant Fox to Justified and Mystik Dan finding a home within the track's 1.25-mile surface.

Excellence at the venue, located in the heart of Louisville, brings a lot of rewards. There are roses and glory at play, as well as glint gold and silver trophies for owner, trainer, jockey, and breeder.

Then, there are riches. Millions of dollars are on the line, too.

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With that, the Sporting News gives you the rundown on all things related to the Kentucky Derby's purse and prize money in 2025.

What is the Kentucky Derby purse in 2025?

The Kentucky Derby's purse is $5 million in 2025, the same total the competition offered in 2024.

How much money does the Kentucky Derby winner get?

The Kentucky Derby shells out $5 million to winnings across the top five finishers. To the victor goes most of the spoils. First-place lands $3.1 million, a little more than 60 percent of the total purse.

Kentucky Derby prize money breakdown for 2025

The $5 million purse is split between the top five finishers, with first place taking the majority of the dough.

Kentucky Derby prize money compared to other Triple Crown races

The Kentucky Derby ranks as the highest-paying Triple Crown race in 2025.