Kentucky Derby purse raised to $5 million for 150th race in May

The Kentucky Derby purse has been raised to $5 million for the 150th edition in May

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Kentucky Derby purse has been raised to $5 million for the 150th edition in May.

The increase of $2 million was announced Wednesday by Churchill Downs. The 1 1/4-mile race will be May 4.

This year’s winner will receive $3.1 million. The runner-up will earn $1 million; third is worth $500,000; fourth is $250,000; and fifth is $150,000.

Previously, the Derby purse had been $3 million since 2019. It was $2 million from 2005-18 and $1 million from 1996-2004.

By comparison, the Breeders' Cup Classic purse is $6 million, with $3.12 million to the winner.