Preakness Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race held at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland each year. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. This race has been held since 1873 and is one of the most anticipated horse racing events in the world.
How Much Do Preakness Jockeys Make?
Preakness jockeys make a lot of money, depending on the outcome of the race. The prize money for winning a Preakness race is typically much higher than for other events. The purse for the 2019 Preakness Stakes was $1.5 million, with the winner taking home $900,000. That’s a nice paycheck for any jockey.
However, jockeys don’t just make money from the prize money. They also make money from their racing contracts and sponsorships. Jockeys typically receive a percentage of the purse money, usually between 10% and 15%, depending on the agreement they have with their stable. Additionally, jockeys can earn money from sponsorships and endorsements.
Factors That Affect Preakness Jockeys’ Earnings
The amount of money a Preakness jockey earns depends on many factors, such as the outcome of the race, the jockey’s skill, and the terms of their contract. Here are some other factors that can affect a jockey’s earnings:
Race Purse
The size of the purse for the Preakness Stakes is one of the biggest factors that can affect a jockey’s earnings. As mentioned earlier, the purse for the 2019 Preakness Stakes was $1.5 million. The higher the purse, the more money a jockey can potentially earn.
Horse Performance
The horse’s performance is another important factor that can affect a jockey’s earnings. If a horse finishes in the top three, the jockey will typically receive a larger share of the purse. Additionally, if the horse wins the race, the jockey will receive an additional bonus from their stable.
Reputation
Jockeys with a good reputation can often negotiate higher pay from stables and sponsors. Jockeys who have won major races, such as the Preakness Stakes, can command a higher salary than those who haven’t.
Experience
Jockeys with more experience typically have a better understanding of horse racing, which can give them an edge over less experienced jockeys. This can result in higher pay from stables and sponsors.
The Market
The horse racing market can also affect a jockey’s earnings. If there is a lot of demand for jockeys, they may be able to command higher pay.
Average Salary of Preakness Jockeys
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a jockey is $39,450 per year. However, this figure does not include additional income from purses, bonuses, and endorsements.
A jockey’s earnings can vary greatly depending on their performance and the terms of their contract. Some jockeys can make millions of dollars in a year, while others may make much less.
Notable Preakness Jockeys
There have been many notable Preakness jockeys over the years. Some of the most successful jockeys include:
- Kent Desormeaux: Desormeaux has won the Preakness Stakes three times, and he has earned over $150 million in purses throughout his career.
- Jerry Bailey: Bailey has won the Preakness Stakes five times and has earned more than $300 million in purses throughout his career.
- Eddie Arcaro: Arcaro holds the record for most Preakness Stakes wins, with six victories. He also earned over $60 million in purses during his career.
Preakness Jockeys of the Future
There are many talented jockeys who are just starting out in their careers. These jockeys have the potential to be future Preakness Stakes winners, and they may be able to command higher pay than their predecessors. Some of the most promising jockeys include:
- Irad Ortiz Jr.: Ortiz Jr. has already won the Preakness Stakes once and is one of the top jockeys in the sport.
- John Velazquez: Velazquez has been one of the most successful jockeys in recent years and has won the Preakness Stakes twice.
- Joel Rosario: Rosario has won the Preakness Stakes twice and is one of the up-and-coming jockeys in the sport.
Preakness Jockey Training
Becoming a successful Preakness jockey requires a lot of training and dedication. Jockeys must have a thorough understanding of horse racing and must be physically fit. Additionally, jockeys must have good communication skills, as they often need to work with their horses and their trainers to get the best performance out of them.
Jockeys typically receive their training from experienced trainers or at jockey schools. They learn about riding, horse care, and racing rules and regulations. They also gain experience by riding in races and learning from their mistakes.
Conclusion
Preakness jockeys make a lot of money, depending on their performance and the terms of their contract. The prize money for winning a Preakness race is typically much higher than for other events, and jockeys can also make money from their racing contracts and sponsorships. Jockeys with a good reputation, experience, and success in major races can often command higher pay. The average salary of a jockey is around $39,450 per year, but some jockeys can make millions of dollars in a single year. Becoming a successful Preakness jockey requires a lot of training and dedication, and aspiring jockeys must receive their training from experienced trainers or at jockey schools.