Preakness Stakes payout breakdown: How much prize money will the winner get in 2026? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Just a few short weeks after the Kentucky Derby, the race horses are shipping up to Maryland for the Preakness Stakes.
This is the second leg of the Triple Crown, but this award is no longer in play this season. Golden Tempo had an impressive upset win in Kentucky, but will not compete this weekend. Instead, trainer Cherie DeVaux will prioritize the horse's health and gear up for another run at the Belmont Stakes.
With Golden Tempo winning $3.1 million at Churchill Downs, no horse can top that number this weekend. That being said, there is still a lot on the line at the Preakness Stakes.
Here's what to know about the size of the purse in Preakness.
MORE: A complete list of all Preakness Stakes winners, records
What is the Preakness Stakes purse in 2026?
The total purse for this year's Preakness Stakes is set at $2 million. This is the third year in a row with a $2 million purse, the same as Belmont Stakes, but less than the Kentucky Derby.
MORE: How much did Golden Tempo win at the Kentucky Derby?
How much does the Preakness winner get?
The Preakness Stakes winner will take home 60% of the total purse, equal to $1.2 million.
Preakness Stakes prize money breakdown for 2026
The top five finishers will split the total purse money, with the second place finisher taking home $400,000. The numbers then scale down to $60,000 for fifth place.
Place
Prize money
Percentage of purse
First
$1.2 million
60 percent
Second
$400,000
20 percent
Third
$220,000
11 percent
Fourth
$120,000
6 percent
Fifth
$60,000
3 percent
Preakness Stakes prize money compared to other Triple Crown races
Of the three Triple Crown races, the Kentucky Derby pays out the most at $5 million. The Preakness is no slouch either, however. It pays out $2 million in total, the same as the Belmont Stakes.
Race
Date
Total 2026 purse
Kentucky Derby
May 2
$5 million
Preakness Stakes
May 16
$2 million
Belmont Stakes
June 6
$2 million
