What was the prize for the first Kentucky Derby? How the purse has grown over the years.

Winners of the 150th Kentucky Derby on Saturday will receive more prize money than ever before, but just how much has the award changed over the years?

This year’s winner of the Kentucky Derby will take home $3.1 million, while second place will get $1 million, third place will get $500,000, fourth place will receive $250,000 and fifth place will be awarded $150,000. The first-place jockey will take home $310,000 this year, NBC reports.

Owners receive 80% of the prize money, Derby betting website Twin Spires reports, while the jockey and trainer each take home 10%.

Oliver Lewis was the first jockey to win the Kentucky Derby, and his chestnut colt Aristides earned him a $2,850 prize in 1875. The runner-up received $200.

In addition to the large cash prize, first-place Derby winners have received a gold trophy each year since 1924. The gold trophy goes to the horse’s owner, according to Twin Spires, and the jockey, trainer and breeder receive silver trophies.

Here’s how the purse has evolved each decade for the iconic Bluegrass State event.

Kentucky Derby prizes throughout history

• 1875: $2,850 for first place, $200 for second place

• 1885: $4,630 for first place, $200 for second place

• 1895: $2,970 for first place, $300 for second place, $150 for third place and $100 for fourth

• 1905: $4,850 for first place, $700 for second place and $300 for third place

• 1915: $11,450 for first place, $2,000 for second place, $1,000 for third and $225 for fourth ($11,450 in 1915 equates to $355,324 in 2024, according to financial website Smart Asset.)

• 1925: $52,950 for first place, $6,000 for second, $3,000 for third and $1,000 for fourth

• 1935: $39,525 for first place, $6,000 for second place, $3,000 for third place

• 1945: $64,850 for first place, $8,000 for second place, $3,000 for third place

• 1955: $108,400 for first place, $25,000 for second place, $12,500 for third place

• 1965: $112,000 for first place, $25,000 for second place, $12,500 for third place

• 1975: $209,600 for first-place, $30,000 for second place, $15,000 for third and $7,500 for fourth

• 1985: $406,800 for first place, $100,000 for second, $50,000 for third and $25,000 for fourth

• 1995: $707,400 for first place, $145,000 for second, $70,000 for third and $35,000 for fourth

• 2005: $1,639,600 for first place, $400,000 for second, $200,000 for third and $100,000 for fourth

• 2015: $1.24 million for first place, $400,000 for second, $200,000 for third and $100,000 for fourth

Note: Information was not immediately available for some third and fourth-place prize amounts.

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