Andy Newton
This Saturday (June 6) sees the third and final leg of the 2026 Triple Crown at the $2m Belmont Stakes centre stage at Saratoga.
The 158th edition of the Belmont Stakes will again be held at Saratoga, as Belmont Park is still being renovated.
However, the contest remains one of the richest horse races in the United States and one of the highlights of the American horse racing calendar.
Run over 1¼ miles around Saratoga’s historic oval track, the race takes just over two minutes to be run. Yet in that brief spell, the winning jockey can secure a sizeable payday.
So, just how much Belmont Stakes prize money is at stake in the 2026?
Oh, and then how is this purse split between the jockey, trainer and owner?
We reveal all below.
Belmont Stakes Purse Breakdown 2026
The Belmont Stakes purse is shared among the first eight finishers, with the winner taking by far the biggest slice of the prize fund at $1.2 million.
The runner-up earns $360,000, while third place is worth $200,000.
But even the horse finishing eighth is rewarded with $20,000 from the Belmont Stakes purse.
Here is the full breakdown of the $2 million prize fund:
- 1st: $1.2 million
- 2nd: $360,000
- 3rd: $200,000
- 4th: $100,000
- 5th: $60,000
- 6th: $40,000
- 7th: $20,000
- 8th: $20,000
You can see the 2026 Belmont Stakes runners, profiles, jockeys and post positions here.
Belmont Stakes Purse: How Much Will The Jockey, Owner and Trainer Get?
The winner’s share of the purse is split between the winning jockey, owner(s) and trainer.
With the owner (in most cases) getting 80% of the purse, while the jockey and trainer will each collect 10%.
Meaning the winning 2026 Belmont Stakes jockey and trainer would earn $120,000 — equivalent to 10% of the $1.2 million first-place prize.
The winning rider also receives a trophy to go alongside his big payday.
However, there are some deductions for the winning rider – as they won’t bank the full $120,000.
In addition, a jockey’s agent will receive 25% ($30,000), while the valet responsible for preparing the rider’s equipment receives 5% ($6,000).
So, after those deductions, the jockey’s earnings are down to around $84,000 (before taxes).
Belmont Stakes Purse History
The Belmont Stakes was first staged in 1867.
The inaugural winner was a filly named Ruthless, who edged out her rivals in a thrilling three-horse finish to earn $1,850.
That figure represents roughly 0.15% of the 2026 winner’s prize money.
So for example, if Ruthless’s jockey, Gilbert Watson, received a standard 10% riding fee – his share would have been $185 back then.
Given the race’s prestige and importance on the American racing calendar, it is no surprise that the Belmont Stakes purse has increased dramatically over the past century and a half.
The purse reached $1 million for the first time in 1998.
It was then increased to $1.5 million in 2014, and was raised to its current level of $2 million in 2024.
How Does The Belmont Stakes Purse Compare To The Kentucky Derby?
The Belmont Stakes purse is also the same as that of the Preakness Stakes, although it remains considerably lower than the Kentucky Derby.
In 2026, the Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo collected $3.1 million, which was $1.9 million more than the Belmont Stakes winner received.
Kentucky Derby Purse 2026
- 1st: $3,100,000
- 2nd: $1,000,000
- 3rd: $500,000
- 4th: $250,000
- 5th: $150,000
Note: All figures listed are subject to change.
