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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.

A Kentucky Derby trophy sat before the post position draw for the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby Tuesday in the Aristides Lounge at Churchill Downs.
A Kentucky Derby trophy sat before the post position draw for the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby Tuesday in the Aristides Lounge at Churchill Downs.

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

Kentucky Derby prizes throughout history

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

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