The Preakness Stakes, also known as the Preakness, is the second jewel of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the United States. It is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds held on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This Grade I stakes race is one of the most prestigious events in horse racing and attracts the best horses, jockeys, trainers, and owners from around the world.
How Much Money Is Up For Grabs at the Preakness?
The Preakness offers a purse of $1.5 million, with the winner taking home $900,000 of that amount. This purse is shared among the top four finishers, with second place receiving $300,000, third place receiving $165,000, and fourth place receiving $90,000.
How Much Does a Jockey Make for Winning the Preakness?
A jockey that wins the Preakness can earn a large amount of money. The jockey who wins will typically receive 10 percent of the winner’s share of the purse, which is currently $90,000. This means that a jockey can receive up to $90,000 for their win in the Preakness.
Other Ways a Jockey Can Earn Money From the Preakness
In addition to the purse money, a jockey can also earn money from other sources associated with the Preakness. These include:
- Appearance Fees: Jockeys can also earn money from appearance fees for participating in the Preakness. These fees can range from $2,500 to $25,000 depending on the jockey’s profile and popularity.
- Sponsorships: Jockeys can also be sponsored by various companies to compete in the Preakness. These sponsorships can range from a few thousand dollars to six figures depending on the jockey’s profile.
- Endorsement Deals: Jockeys can also win endorsement deals from participating in the Preakness. These deals can be lucrative, with jockeys earning up to $1 million per year from endorsement deals.
How Much Do Jockeys Make on Other Races?
While jockeys can make a substantial amount of money from winning the Preakness, they can also make a good amount of money from other races. Generally, a jockey will receive 10 percent of the purse for any race they win. The purse for other races can range from as little as a few hundred dollars to several hundred thousand dollars.
How Are Jockeys Paid?
Jockeys are typically paid in two ways:
- Purse Money: Jockeys are typically paid their purse money after the race is over. This money is usually split among the top four finishers in the race.
- Commission: Jockeys also earn a commission from the earnings of the horse they ride. This commission is typically 10 percent of the horse’s winnings.
What Are the Other Benefits of Being a Jockey?
While the money is an important factor, there are other benefits to being a jockey. These include:
- Travel: Jockeys often travel to different racetracks to compete in races, giving them the opportunity to see different parts of the world.
- Fame: Jockeys can also become famous for their accomplishments. They often become household names and can receive a lot of attention from the public.
- Exposure: Jockeys can also receive a lot of exposure from competing in races. They can increase their visibility and become more attractive to sponsors.
How Can Jockeys Increase Their Earnings?
Jockeys can increase their earnings by doing the following:
- Win More Races: Jockeys can increase their earnings by winning more races. Winning more races will give them a larger share of the purse money, as well as more sponsorships and endorsements.
- Gain Popularity: Jockeys can also increase their earnings by becoming more popular. By gaining more attention, they can attract more sponsors and endorsement deals.
- Improve Their Skills: Jockeys can also increase their earnings by improving their riding skills. The better they ride, the more likely they are to win races and increase their earnings.
What Does the Future Hold for Jockeys?
The future looks bright for jockeys as the sport of horse racing continues to grow in popularity. With new technologies and more races being held around the world, jockeys will have more opportunities to make money and become famous.
Conclusion
A jockey can make a substantial amount of money from winning the Preakness, with the potential to earn up to $90,000. In addition to the purse money, jockeys can also earn additional income from sponsorships, endorsement deals, and other sources. Jockeys can increase their earnings by winning more races, gaining popularity, and improving their riding skills. The future of jockeys looks bright, as horse racing continues to grow in popularity.