The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby delivered excitement on the track and impressive financial rewards for top finishers, with a total purse of $5 million up for grabs at Churchill Downs. Golden Tempo, a long-shot contender at 23-1 odds, pulled off a stunning victory, earning the largest share of the prize money while thrilling bettors with strong payouts.
The $5 million purse was distributed among the top five finishers, providing substantial earnings for owners, trainers, and jockeys involved in the race. Typically, the winning horse’s purse splits with about 80% going to the owners, 10% to the trainer, and 10% to the jockey. This structure rewards the dedicated teams behind each competitor.
Purse Breakdown by Finishing Position:
- 1st Place – Golden Tempo: $3.1 million (Trainer: Cherie DeVaux; Jockey: Jose Ortiz)
- 2nd Place – Renegade: $1 million (Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.)
- 3rd Place – Ocelli: $500,000
- 4th Place – Chief Wallabee: $250,000
- 5th Place – Danon Bourbon: $150,000
Jockeys riding in lower positions received a minimum $500 riding fee, while those in the top spots earned significantly more from their percentage of the purse. For the winner, this meant Jose Ortiz taking home around $310,000 before any additional arrangements.
Betting Payouts for a $2 Win Bet:
- Golden Tempo: Win $48.24 | Place $19.14 | Show $11.90
- Renegade: Place $7.14 | Show $5.46
- Ocelli: Show $36.34
Exotic bets also paid handsomely, with the exacta (Golden Tempo over Renegade) returning $278.86 for $2, and the trifecta offering even bigger returns for those who picked the top three correctly.
This year’s results highlighted the blend of strategy, skill, and a bit of luck that defines horse racing. Fans enjoyed a memorable day at the historic venue, celebrating strong performances across the field. The Kentucky Derby continues to stand as one of the premier events in American sports, combining tradition with substantial rewards for participants.