Being a jockey is an incredibly difficult job that requires physical strength, mental agility and a tremendous amount of courage. It also requires a great deal of skill and knowledge of the sport and the horse being ridden. Jockeys are highly trained athletes and their job is to get the horse to the finish line first. But how much do they get for winning a race? In this article, we will explore the various factors that determine how much a jockey earns for a winning ride.
How Much Does a Jockey Earn?
The amount a jockey earns for a winning ride can vary greatly depending on the type of race, the purse and the jockey’s experience. Generally, the more prestigious the race, the more a jockey can earn. For example, jockeys in the Kentucky Derby can earn up to $400,000 in purse money for a winning ride. The purse for the Preakness Stakes is slightly less at about $200,000.
However, the amount of money a jockey earns for a winning ride is not solely dependent on the purse. Jockeys also earn 10% of the purse money and a bonus for completing the race. The bonus can range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on the race and the jockey’s experience.
Factors That Affect Jockey Earnings
There are several factors that can affect how much a jockey earns for a winning ride. These include:
Type of Race
The type of race can have a significant impact on how much a jockey earns. For example, stakes races typically have larger purses than other types of races and therefore offer the potential for higher earnings.
Purse Size
The size of the purse is another factor that can affect a jockey’s earnings. The larger the purse, the more money a jockey can potentially earn.
Jockey’s Experience
A jockey’s experience can also play a role in how much they earn for a winning ride. Jockeys with more experience and success may be able to command higher purses and bonuses than those with less experience.
Horse’s Performance
The performance of the horse also plays a role in a jockey’s earnings. A jockey that is able to get a horse to finish first, even if the horse is not the fastest, will likely be rewarded with a higher bonus than a jockey that is able to get a faster horse to the finish line but not in first place.
Trainer’s Bonus
In some cases, a trainer may offer a bonus to a jockey if they are able to win a certain race. This bonus may be in addition to the purse and other bonuses the jockey earns.
How Much Do Top Jockeys Earn?
The top jockeys in the world are able to command large purses and bonuses for winning races. For example, the leading jockey in the world, Mike Smith, earned over $7 million in purses and bonuses in 2019. He also earned over $5 million in endorsements from various companies.
Average Jockey Earnings
The average jockey earns considerably less than the top jockeys in the world. According to the United States Jockey Association, the average jockey earns about $35,000 per year. This is considerably less than the purses and bonuses that the top jockeys can earn.
Conclusion
Jockeys can earn a great deal of money for a winning ride, depending on the type of race, the purse size and the jockey’s experience. The top jockeys in the world can earn millions of dollars in purses and bonuses, while the average jockey earns much less. However, all jockeys have the potential to earn a good living from their profession.
FAQs
- How much does a jockey earn for a winning ride? The amount a jockey earns for a winning ride can vary greatly depending on the type of race, the purse and the jockey’s experience. Generally, the more prestigious the race, the more a jockey can earn.
- How much do the top jockeys earn? The top jockeys in the world are able to command large purses and bonuses for winning races. For example, the leading jockey in the world, Mike Smith, earned over $7 million in purses and bonuses in 2019. He also earned over $5 million in endorsements from various companies.
- What factors affect jockey earnings? The type of race, the purse size, the jockey’s experience and the horse’s performance can all affect how much a jockey earns for a winning ride.
- How much does the average jockey earn? The average jockey earns about $35,000 per year, according to the United States Jockey Association.