Horse racing is a sport that is often associated with money, which is why most people consider it prestigious. Have you seen some of the prize purses up for grabs at some of the biggest events around the world?
Most elite horse racing events have prize purses that go north of a million dollars, and we are talking about what the winner gets, not the entire prize purse. So, if a horse winner gets more than a million dollars for a 2-minute run on the track, how much does the jockey earn?
Of course, the amount of money earned on the track doesn’t go to the jockey. They are reserved for the racehorse owner; the jockey gets a small percentage or a flat fee that they’ve negotiated before.
This brings us to the next question. Even when we are talking about a percentage, how much a professional jockey like John Velazquez has earned throughout his career? He has raced in the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders Cup and won the first of five riding titles at Saratoga. So it is no surprise he normally shows up in the lineup of Saratoga horse racing picks.
He is one of the most successful jockeys in the world, with more than 36,000 starts, close to 7,000 first places, and earnings of close to $500 million. Even if he earned only 1% (which is an extremely small fee for a jockey of his caliber), he currently has around $5 million in net worth. But we all know that he is worth much more than that. How much? Let’s find out.
Who Is John Velazques?
For those of you who don’t know much about horse racing, John Velazques is one of the most successful jockeys in the history of the sport. Over the years, he has earned his nickname “Johnny V,” and I think the “V” stands for “Victory.”
When it comes to his professional career, there is one word that can describe it – flawless! He was born in Caroline, Puerto Rico, and he started as a jockey at a very young age. Of course, just like most people involved in the sport, he was influenced by his father’s involvement in the sport, and he could thank him.
Over the years, he appeared in every prestigious race you can think of, and every racehorse owner wants to book him. Why? Maybe it is because of his incredible success rate of 18% win rate.
What is John Velazquez’s Net Worth?
Now, we come to the part that we are most interested in. How much money did he earn throughout his professional career as the world’s best jockey?
Believe it or not, Velazquez managed to keep his net worth very private. There are many speculations on the internet, but I believe none of them is accurate. Most websites say that John Velazquez’s net worth is around $30 million, and I have plenty of reasons to believe it is way more.
As of 2024, he has earned $481,899,241 in prize winnings. But what’s the amount of money that jockeys actually receive? Well, it is around 8-10% of the prize winnings. So, if we do simple math, Velazquez’s net worth should sit somewhere between $40-48 million, and this doesn’t include sponsorships and other sources of income. I’d say that he now sits around $50 million, which is quite a lot of money.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Velazquez’s career is filled with significant milestones and achievements:
- Hall of Fame Induction: In 2012, Velazquez was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport.
- Triple Crown Victories: Although he hasn’t won the Triple Crown with a single horse, he has won individual Triple Crown races, including the Kentucky Derby with Animal Kingdom in 2011 and Always Dreaming in 2017.
- Breeders’ Cup Success: Velazquez has numerous victories in the Breeders’ Cup, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level.
- Long-standing Partnerships: His collaborations with renowned trainers like Todd Pletcher have resulted in numerous wins, further solidifying his legacy.
Financial Growth Over the Years
Velazquez’s net worth has grown steadily over the years, thanks to his career earnings and savvy investments. His annual income has varied with the changing landscape of horse racing, with significant earnings coming from race winnings and sponsorships.
Sources of Income
- Race Earnings: Velazquez earns a substantial portion of his income from race winnings. His share of prize money, typically 15-20% of the purse, has been a major contributor to his wealth.
- Endorsements and Sponsorships: Companies like Mercedes-Benz have sponsored Velazquez, adding to his income.
- Investments: Velazquez has invested in various ventures, including real estate and thoroughbred breeding operations.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
John Velazquez is not just a successful jockey; he is also a dedicated family man and philanthropist. He is married to Leona O’Brien, and they have children together. Velazquez is actively involved in charitable efforts, using his platform to raise awareness and support various causes.
