The 158th Belmont Stakes delivered another memorable chapter in Triple Crown history as Golden Tempo powered to victory at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday evening. After capturing the Kentucky Derby earlier in the season, Golden Tempo added another prestigious title to an already remarkable campaign, securing a significant portion of the race’s lucrative prize fund.
With a total purse of $2 million, the Belmont Stakes remains one of the richest and most prestigious races in American horse racing. The event rewards not only the winning horse but also owners, trainers, jockeys, and other key members of the racing team.
2026 Belmont Stakes Purse and Prize Money Breakdown
The Belmont Stakes distributes prize money to the top eight finishers. This structure ensures that nearly every competitor earns a share of the purse, rewarding the effort and investment required to compete at the highest level.
Official 2026 Belmont Stakes Prize Money Distribution
| Position | Horse | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Golden Tempo | $1,200,000 |
| 2nd | Commandment | $360,000 |
| 3rd | Renegade | $200,000 |
| 4th | Chief Wallabee | $100,000 |
| 5th | Emerging Market | $60,000 |
| 6th | Growth Equity | $40,000 |
| 7th | Vitruvian Man | $20,000 |
| 8th | Ottinho | $20,000 |
Golden Tempo’s victory added another $1.2 million to the horse’s earnings, further strengthening its position among the most successful runners of the 2026 Triple Crown season.
How Belmont Stakes Prize Money Is Shared – Jockey, Owner, and Trainer Earnings
The Belmont Stakes winner’s purse is shared among the horse’s owner, trainer, and jockey. Traditionally, the owner receives the largest portion of the prize money, while the trainer and jockey each earn a percentage of the winning payout.
For the 2026 Belmont Stakes, the winner earned $1.2 million from the race’s $2 million purse. The owner receives approximately 80% of the winner’s share, totaling $960,000. Both the trainer and jockey are entitled to 10% each, resulting in earnings of $120,000 apiece.
In addition to the prize money, the winning jockey also takes home the prestigious Belmont Stakes trophy and the recognition that comes with winning one of horse racing’s most celebrated events.
However, the jockey does not keep the full $120,000. A portion of those earnings is typically paid to the jockey’s agent and valet. The agent generally receives 25% of the jockey’s share ($30,000), while the valet, who assists with equipment and race-day preparations, receives 5% ($6,000).
After these customary deductions, the winning jockey’s take-home earnings are approximately $84,000 before taxes, making a Belmont Stakes victory both a career-defining achievement and a significant financial reward.
Why the Belmont Stakes Purse Matters
The Belmont Stakes purse is about more than just prize money. It reflects the race’s importance within American thoroughbred racing and provides substantial financial incentives for owners, trainers, and jockeys to compete at the highest level.
Golden Tempo’s Belmont Stakes triumph not only added another Triple Crown victory to its résumé but also generated substantial earnings for the entire racing team. With Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes success in the same season, the horse has cemented its place among the standout performers of 2026.
As another thrilling Belmont Stakes concludes, the purse distribution highlights the teamwork behind every champion and the significant rewards that come with success on one of racing’s biggest stages.