Horse racing fans await with bated breath as the Kentucky Derby 2024 scheduled for Saturday, May 4 is just a few hours away. The Kentucky Derby is not just a prestigious horse racing event; it’s also a big payday for jockeys and trainers. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” winning can mean substantial earnings for those involved, so it’s historic in every which way.

The total purse for the 2024 Kentucky Derby has surged to $5 million, marking a significant $2 million increase from the previous year. The race is 1.25 miles, usually lasts around two minutes, and is the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown held in Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Before the race begins, here’s what you need to know about the 2024 Kentucky Derby. 

Kentucky Derby 2024 jockey And trainer are in for the long haul

Twenty horses race for the Kentucky Derby annually around May, but only five top finishers are rewarded for their part in the prize purse. Churchill Downs promises to be exciting this year with a mix of veterans and eager newcomers. Other than a garland of roses and the title of champion, these jockeys and trainers are entitled to payouts from $5 million this year. The winner will earn $3.1 million compared to $1.86 million last year. The first runner-up can expect $1 million, and the second runner-up will amass $1,000,000, third will earn $500,000. Fourth place will earn $250,000, and fifth will earn $150,000 respectively.

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Competing for the prizes are seasoned jockeys like John Velazquez, who has won the Derby three times, and Tyler Gaffalione, who won in 2019, will be looking to add another Derby win to their résumés. Meanwhile, trainers like Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown, who have multiple Derby wins, are fielding top contenders in Fierceness and Sierra Leone, respectively. Several first-time Derby jockeys and trainers, such as Keith Asmussen, Victor Barboza Jr., and Larry Demeritte, will be making their debuts at the prestigious race. ​Players want to make their mark here since the Kentucky Derby has the most bottomless purse. 

Does the Kentucky Derby have the highest purse compared to other Triple Crown races?

Due to several key factors, the Kentucky Derby has the highest prize money among the Triple Crown races. Firstly, the Kentucky Derby is the oldest and most prestigious race in American horse racing, first run in 1875. This long history and iconic status have allowed the race to attract significant sponsorship and investment.

Furthermore, the Kentucky Derby’s position as the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown series contributes to its high purse. As the first significant litmus test for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, the Derby garners immense attention and excitement from the racing industry and the public. This popularity translates to high betting handle and media rights, which Churchill Downs Incorporated has leveraged to substantially increase Derby’s payout funds.

For the milestone 150th running this year, Churchill Downs has increased the purse to a record $5 million, more than the other races, with Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes having $2 million rewards. The viewers can stream Derby Day coverage on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app.