Once again, the Kentucky Derby (G1) will be run for a purse of $5 million, which means the winner will take home a minimum of $3.1 million.
But before the group of 20, pending late defections, enter the starting gate, a significant financial investment has been made.
Many have been purchased at auctions or privately after beginning their racing careers, while others are bred by their owners, who paid stud fees – sometimes top dollar – to own what they hope eventually becomes a Derby winner.
The last yearling sales purchase to win the Derby, who did not pass through another sales ring, was Authentic in 2020. Before that, 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify brought $500,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. And the last 2-year-old in training sales purchase to win the Derby was 2023 winner Mage, who was sold for $295,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale. He was previously a $230,000 Keeneland September yearling.
The last private purchase to win the Derby was 2009 winner Mine That Bird and the last homebred to win the Derby was Sovereignty a year ago.
The 2023 winner, Rich Strike, was claimed from his breeder, Calumet Farm, for $30,000 out of his second career start.
This year, 19 of the 24 3-year-olds entered were sold at public auction, the others are homebreds. Also, Derby favorite Renegade was bred by Robert and Lawana Low, but they retained interest in the Into Mischief colt after co-owner Mike Repole plunked down $975,000 to purchase him at Keeneland in September of 2024.
The most expensive Derby runner on Saturday would be San Felipe Stakes (G2) winner Potente, who was a $2.4 million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling in 2024. Conversely, the late draw-in maiden Ocelli was a $12,500 Fasig-Tipton Kentuck October yearling.
Fusaichi Pegasus remains the most expensive purchase in Derby history, having brought $4 million as a Keeneland July yearling in 1998 before winning the Derby almost two years later.
By comparison, Venezuelan-raced Cannonero II was just $1,200 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 1969, even with inflation making him the best bargain.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
