Dream Kentucky Derby Win Turns Bitter as Jockey Reportedly Loses Thousands Moments After Finish, Flipping Celebration Into Controversy and Leaving Fans Questioning How Victory Unraveled So Fast

Jose Ortiz celebrates after winning the Kentucky Derby

Jockey Jose Ortiz will be forced to hand over a sizable chunk of his prize money after riding Golden Tempo to a thrilling come-from-behind victory at the Kentucky Derby.

On Saturday, Golden Tempo made his way through a field of 17 other horses around the final turn at Churchill Downs before making a hard charge down the last stretch. The race-winner eventually passed Renegade — ridden by Jose’s brother, Irad — in a photo finish to emerge victorious at 2:02.27. Thanks to his impressive performance, Ortiz is now slated to secure a massive payday. For the third year in a row, the Kentucky Derby boasts a $5 million purse — thereby making it the second-richest Thoroughbred race in North America, trailing only the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

As the winning jockey, Ortiz will receive 10 percent of the first-place prize money ($2.48 million), which will roughly come out to $310,000. Unfortunately for the 32-year-old, he won’t be allowed to pocket the full amount of that sum. A quarter ($77,500) of the purse will be going to Ortiz’s agent, with another 5 percent ($15,500) being sent to the valet who helped with riding gear. Once the dust has finally settled on the payment divisions, Ortiz will be left with approximately $217,000. But this number will drop even further when factoring in taxes, with Kentucky having a 4 percent income tax. It comes after a Kentucky Derby horse was euthanized after breaking 2 legs as she ran the “race of her life”.

Jockey Jose Ortiz comes from last to pass brother Irad and win Kentucky  Derby - Yahoo Sports

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Speaking to NBC’s Donna Brothers, Ortiz couldn’t stop the waterworks from flowing fresh off his first Kentucky Derby win in 11 career tries. “This is the biggest race in the world for me,” he said as tears began to well in his eyes.

“And I’m just blessed that I get to ride it almost every year, but get to win it, it’s just special. To have my mom and my dad here today, it’s very special. I just wish my grandpa was here, but I know he’s in heaven.

Jose Ortiz celebrates after winning the Kentucky Derby
Jose Ortiz is expected to earn around $217,000 before taxes after winning the Kentucky Derby -Credit:Getty Images

“I’m just very happy that I get my goal, my life dream goal achieved. You know, it’s just an amazing experience. I can’t wait to see my family and celebrate.”

As for how the rest of the prize purse is split, Golden Tempo owners St. Elias Stable and Phipps Stable will collectively receive 80 percent of the $5 million winnings ($2.48 million).

Accounting for the cost to enter a horse in the Kentucky Derby ($25,000), start in the race ($25,000) and Triple Crown nomination fee ($600), this number dwindles down to $2,429,400 before taxes.

Cherie DeVaux — who etched her name in the history books upon becoming the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby champion — is expected to earn 10% of the first-place prize money ($310,000).

It comes after the 2026 Kentucky Derby got off to a horrifying start as a jockey was almost crushed in sickening scenes.

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