What Does a Top Jockey Earn?

Premiere jockeys routinely earn in excess of $10 million annually, with well over 100 riders earning $1 million or more in winnings each year. Top jockeys accrue their winnings by finishing among the top three in each of their races.

  1. 2009 Leader

    • Equibase, a firm that provides statistics and racing information to the thoroughbred industry, indicates that in 2009, the top international jockey, Garrett K. Gomez, earned $18,571,171. Two others also earned in excess of $18 million, with a steep drop-off to the fourth-highest-earning jockey, who earned $13 million.

    2010 Statistics

    • As of Sept. 3, the top North American jockey, John R. Velazquez, had won $10,470,324 in 2010. Internationally, Ramon A. Dominguez led the list at $10,829,642. More than 20 riders claimed winnings above $5 million, and 100 international jockeys had earned in excess of $1.8 million.

    Number of Races

    • Jockeys normally guide different horses in a number of races each day in order to receive a high level of compensation. Gomez, the 2009 international earnings leader, started 967 races, accruing his winnings through 210 wins, 166 second-place finishes, and 140 third-place finishes. Jockeys often compete in more than 1,000 races each year.