How much prize money did Mystik Dan get for winning 2024 Kentucky Derby?

In a thrilling climax that ended in a photo finish, Mystik Dan, ridden by American jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., emerged as the champion of the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. It was a race filled with suspense and excitement as Mystik Dan narrowly edged past competitors Sierra Leone and Forever Young, securing victory by mere centimetres at Churchill Downs.

Despite not being among the favoured contenders, Mystik Dan defied the odds with a stunning performance, clinching the prestigious horse race with odds of 18-1. Reflecting on his unexpected triumph, Hernandez Jr. said it was an “indescribable feeling” in an interview with NBC immediately after the race.

2024 Kentucky Derby prize money

There was a $5 million prize purse will be up for grabs at the 2024 Derby, and per The Athletic’s Andrew DeWitt and Drew Jordan, only the Breeders’ Cup Classic - a race held at alternating venues every November - has a larger purse among American events, at $7 million.

Of the $5 million purse at the 2024 Derby, which is distributed among the first five finishers, $3.1 million went to the victor, Mystik Dan with $1 million due to the runner-up, Sierra Leone.

According to a prize-money breakdown by racing expert Keeler Johnson, the horse’s owner typically takes home 80% of the payout, with 10% each shared out to the jockey and the trainer.

2024 Kentucky Derby: full result

1. Mystik Dan

2. Sierra Leone

3. Forever Young

4. Catching Freedom

5. T O Password

6. Resilience

7. Stronghold

8. Honor Marie

9. Endlessly

10. Dornoch

11. Track Phantom

12. West Saratoga

13. Domestic Product

14. Epic Ride

15. Fierceness

16. Society Man

17. Just Steel

18. Grand Mo The First

19. Catalytic

20. Just a Touch