Jockeys

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Jockey Income Facts

Income Facts

Only a handful of jockeys make six figures or more throughout a year of racing. Most average $30,000 to $40,000 per year.

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Many people assume that jockeys are the major breadwinners in the world of horse racing. While some fare well financially, most earn a pretty modest salary. Read on for more interesting income-related facts about horse racing ...

Typically self-employed, jockeys are hired by horse trainers to ride their horses in races. For each race, jockeys receive a minimum mount fee ranging from $35 to $100 and a percentage of the purse for first, second and third. The mount fee is paid regardless of the prize money that the horse earns for a race.

Jockeys earn their living by competing in races. The more races they win, the greater their incomes.

Aside from the large purses for first and second place, most jockeys walk away with a mount fee of only $25 to $50 for any given race.

A few jockeys earn six figures or more a year, but most earn a modest income of about $30,000 to $40,000 a year in a sport that requires frequent travel and equipment expenses.

Jockey John Velazquez earned the most money in 2008, receiving a share of purses worth about $2.1 million.

More Inside Track

Racing Glossary
Before you hit the track, learn some handy horse racing lingo.

Major Races
Update your calendar with this year's races and learn about the betting system used at U.S. tracks.

Meet the Jockeys
Get acquainted with the men and women featured in the Animal Planet series Jockeys.

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