Churchill Downs increases Kentucky Derby prize-money to $3 million

The 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4 will be the most lucrative of all the time with the purse increased to a guaranteed $3 million.

The boost represents a staggering $1 million rise from last year's renewal, which was won in brilliant style by the Bob Baffert-trained Justify, who went on to cement his status in history by winning the US Triple Crown.

The Kentucky Derby was among a cluster of 15 stakes races at the meeting to receive a boost in prize-money and there will be a record 18 stakes races cumulatively worth $9.58 million.

The Kentucky Oaks, which was worth $1 million last year, has increased to $1.25 million to remain the nation's most lucrative race for three-year-old fillies.

Another race to benefit is the Old Forester Turf Classic, which typically precedes the Kentucky Derby with the guaranteed pot doubled to $1 million.

The major increases in prize-money are attributed to early returns from the state-of-the-art historical racing machines at Derby City Gaming, Churchill Downs Incorporated’s $65 million facility that opened in the middle of September.

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