Few sporting experiences can compare to Churchill Downs in the spring. The 150th annual Kentucky Derby returns as the race for the Triple Crown begins.
Unlike most popular sporting events, the Kentucky Derby lasts just two minutes, as 20 horses race around a 1.25-mile track. Nonetheless, it's an exciting experience for fans and bettors alike.
Horse racing has always collected a lot of money even prior to society's acceptance of legal sports gambling. The owners will win a large sum of cash if the horse is one of the top finishers.
Fierceness (+250) entered as the odds-on favorite to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby, running out of the No. 17 starting gate. Sierra Leone (+300) and Catching Freedom (+800) held the next best odds. But a surprise winner took the prize.
Here's what to know about the Kentucky Derby purse, including a full breakdown of the payout.
MORE: Horses, odds, expert picks & more for 2024 Kentucky Derby
What is the Kentucky Derby purse in 2024?
The Kentucky Derby's purse is $5 million in 2024, increasing its total from $3 million in previous years.
How much money does the Kentucky Derby winner get?
The Kentucky Derby purse gets split among the top finishers, but the first-place winner gets the most. First place will earn $3.1 million, which is more than the total purse from 2023.
Mystik Dan came in first place. The No. 3 horse entered the race with 18-1 odds but beat out Sierra Leone and Forever Young in a photo finish.
MORE: Full results, finish order from 2024 Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby prize money breakdown for 2024
The $5 million purse is split between the top five finishers, with first place taking the majority of the dough.
| Place | Prize money |
| 1. Mystik Dan | $3.1 million |
| 2. Sierra Leone | $1 million |
| 3. Forever Young | $500,000 |
| 4. Catching Freedom | $250,000 |
| 5. T O Password | $150,000 |
Kentucky Derby prize money compared to other Triple Crown races
The Kentucky Derby remains the top-paying race among the Triple Crown in 2024.
| Race | Date | Total 2024 purse |
| Kentucky Derby | May 4 | $5 million |
| Preakness Stakes | May 18 | $2 million |
| Belmont Stakes | June 8 | $2 million |
