Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the world, dating centuries back to at least the ancient Greek or Roman civilizations. Albeit unlike many centuries ago when it used to be the sport of the world, its popularity is now limited to some countries like Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The UAE especially has become a hub for training successful jockeys and even hosts the renowned Dubai World Cup. But that’s not all. The country is also now welcoming of all the elements that make horse racing thrive like a vibrant sports betting and casino development. If you’re ever in the UAE, the MightyTips UAE team has a specially curated list of top casinos in the country.
You can make a choice based on different important metrics such as live dealer options, cryptocurrency acceptance, bonuses and even online slots. That way, horse racing remains a lucrative activity for its different participants, including equestrians, trainers and, of course, bettors.
In this article, Kate Richardson, leading equestrian sports writer and racing commentator, reveals the top earners in the world of horse racing. Many people simply know elite jockeys are rich but very little attention is paid to just how well jockeys earn. So, dive into the next sections to find out the most successful jockeys in the world.
A List of the Highest Paid Jockeys in the World
Below is a quick look at five jockeys who are arguably the richest individuals in horse racing and could also qualify as some of the highest earning athletes globally.
Yutaka Take
Following in the footsteps of his father, Kunihiko, Yutaka Take took up horse racing at a young age and has grown to become undoubtedly one of the greatest jockeys of all time. Although he isn’t well known on these shores, Yutaka is a living legend in his native Japan having won all prestigious events ranging from the Japan Cup to the Japanese Derby (Tokyo Yushun).
According to official sources, Yutaka Take’s career earnings are estimated at US$971 million, more than anyone else who has participated in the sport. Yutaka amassed that amount in prize money from over 4,500 career race wins. In 2022, he broke a 30-year jinx by clinching his second World Super Jockeys Series title after last winning it in 1992.
“I’m glad that we were able to hold the series this year and that foreign jockeys were able to join us under difficult circumstances. It was very rewarding to be able to compete with everyone and I was able to spend a very fulfilling two days. I’m really happy that I was able to ride on good horses and claim the title this year as I have been coming in second many times since claiming the title years ago,” Yutaka Take told Japanese journalists after the win.
Norihiro Yokoyama
Yet another Japanese jockey, Norihiro Yokoyama has an illustrious career within his native country and even outside of Japan. He set the incredible record for being the oldest Japanese jockey to win a Grade I race at the age of 56. With over 2991 career wins, Yokoyama has been able to amass eye-watering sums over the years placing him at the summit of racing circles.
While his racing salary is just over 615 million, his total earnings are valued at north of US$885 million. Just like Japan’s Yutaka Take, Yokoyama is also unknown outside his native country. However, he has made a name for himself by winning the races in Asia that pay the most money compared to more low-paying international tourneys.
Yuichi Fukunaga
Still in Japan, we have Yuichi Fukunaga. Despite ending his extensive career as an equestrian in 2024, Fukunaga walks away from the sport with over 2,636 wins and as much as $561 million in career winnings. The champion jockey moved to the paddock after obtaining his training licence in 2022. Fukunaga did not just conquer Japan, but his influence extended to the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and some parts of the West.
As things stand, Fukunaga would not be able to add to his tally, but he has been able to win what many famous jockeys can only dream of achieving. He has since opened his stable and aims to replicate his equestrian success as a trainer.
Masayoshi Ebina
Masayoshi Ebina is another Japanese superstar to make our top five highest earning jockeys list, taking a spot at fourth place. Before his retirement, he was closing on Fukunaga with his 2,541 wins and career winnings of $505 million. For years, Ebina was affiliated with El Condor Pasa, an American-bred but Japanese trained stallion. With this horse, Ebina competed in and finished second in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 1999.
About two months later after that performance, the equestrian rode the horse to victory at the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in France. Other notable victories for Ebina include the Japan Cup. Like Fukunaga, he left jockeying to become a trainer and has added over 30 horses to his stable collection since 2021.
John Velazquez
Slightly edging off Frankie Dettori as the first non-Japanese jockey on our list is John Velazquez. The legendary North American began his horse racing career in Puerto Rico before moving to New York.
His highly celebrated career has seen him emerge the American Champion Jockey by earnings twice, evidence of his incredible sums over the years. Velazquez boasts a mind-blowing 6,677 wins and an equally whopping $493 million in career earnings.
The Puerto Rican has won three Kentucky Derbies, two Belmont Stakes and one Preakness Stakes, making him the king of the American classics. If he had won all three with the same horse, he would have become one of very few riders to have been affiliated with a Triple Crown winning horse. One of Velazquez’s notable racing moments came at Churchill Downs when he won the 2017 Kentucky Derby.
“This is the best horse (trainer) Todd (Pletcher) and I have ever come to the Kentucky Derby with. Nothing against all the others, but this was the best horse. I got a good position with him early and then he relaxed. When we hit the quarter pole, I asked him and he responded. He did it himself from there,” Velazquez said after placing 1st with his horse Always Dreaming.
How The Richest Horse Racing Pro Make Their Pay: From Ascot Racecourse to Endorsements
The richest horse riders make their money from a wide variety of sources, but the most notable one comes from winning tournaments. Here is a look at some alternative income sources for these professionals:
- Race winning: Equestrians take between 5% to 10% of the purse winning with the owners taking the lion’s share.
- Salaries and retainers: Many riders are paid salaries by horse owners, guaranteeing them a steady income even if they don’t win.
- Horse sales: When a horse is retired to breeding, owners make a fortune for the sale and this sometimes trickles down to equestrians.
- Sponsorship and endorsements: Riders typically land deals with betting firms, apparel companies and racing brands, offering some extra annual income.
Concluding Remarks on the Future of Horse Racing: How the Top Jockeys Have Improved the Popularity of the Profession
Horse racing has always carried a sense of tradition and prestige, but in recent years, its visibility and appeal have taken on a new dimension. While much of this is down to increased media presence, the professionalism and star power of its athletes are also notable factors.
Leading equestrians now compete worldwide and bring attention to horse racing across different markets. Their victories on prestigious tracks, from Royal Ascot to the Kentucky Derby have helped showcase the global appeal of the profession and highlight riders as ambassadors of the sport.
The future of horse racing is brighter than it has ever been. However, beyond the strength of horses and racing infrastructure, the athletes who bring the sport of life are now taking center stage. As they continue to push the boundaries of professionalism and connect with global audiences, the profession itself is certain to grow in both popularity and prestige.
