How Much Money Will Jayson Werth and Dornoch Take Home? Breakdown of $2 Million 2024 Belmont Stakes Prize Money

“It was perfect,” exclaimed jockey Luis Saez, reflecting on Dornoch’s magnificent run at the 2024 Belmont Stakes, where they held off a strong challenge from Mindframe, who finished second. From being written off after placing 10th in the Kentucky Derby, Dornoch defied all odds by clinching victory in the 156th Belmont Stakes alongside ex-MLB star Jayson Werth. Their triumph was further sweetened by the highest payout in Belmont history, a staggering $2M. This year, there won’t be a Triple Crown winner. But the prize money for each leg of the series saw a significant increase. Mystik Dan won the Kentucky Derby, and Seize the Grey triumphed in the Preakness Stakes. Finally, Dornoch took home the title at the third leg of the Triple Crown, highlighting the heightened competition and excitement of this year’s racing season.

A recent report by AP News highlighted the annual New York event that took place over the weekend, emphasizing a significant appeal toward betting on the horses. However, more than the betters, the jockeys were interested in the prize money. This year, the Belmont Stakes funds ran up to $2M, which marked a 33% increase from last year’s $1.5M. Jayson Werth, with his horse Dornoch, is back in the winner’s circle 16 years after he was a part of the Phillies’ 2008 World Series title team. The big leaguer retired in 2018. He was admittedly under immense stress before the Triple Crown win. Before the Kentucky Derby, he said he was “a nervous wreck.” However, it worked out in his favor when Dornoch succeeded after being neck to neck with the Preakness winner for most of the race. 

As per FanDuel, Dornoch entered the race with a 15-1 odds of winning. It ranked 8th amongst the 10 horses present. In favor of the winning title was Sierra Leone, who finished third. We’re sure he’s equally pumped about this victory from his enthusiastic display of fervor on the field during his baseball career. Even FOX Sports has shown their support for this underdog victory, writing, “Incredible! 😱 Dornoch wins the 2024 @BelmontStakes!” Werth later told the network, “I would put it right up there with winning on the biggest stage,” adding: “Horse racing is the most underrated sport in the world, bar none… This is as good as it gets in horse racing; this is as good as it gets in sports.”

Jayson Werth’s reward is going to be a huge payout. He was going to take home a grand total of $1.2M in winnings, approximately 60% of the total pool. However, according to recent reports, he earned close to $1.3M at the Saratoga Race Course. Dornoch won after his brother Mage won the Derby in 2023. Both horses have helped Werth amass quite a fortune. Moreover, the top 8 colts in the race also have a share in the prize.

The first runner up can expect $360,000 in payout, followed by the second runner-up at $200,000. Keeping the progression, 4th and 5th place will earn $100,000 and $60,000, respectively, whereas 6th place is entitled to $40,000. Finally the 7th and 8th place both can expect $20,000. The 33% increase in prize money is positively impacting all payouts, which are now slightly higher than in previous years.

What’s in store for Dornoch next?

The Belmont win came as a redemption arc for the horse’s 10th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. The event was held five weeks earlier. Jockey Luis Saez said, “When I rode this horse last year in Saratoga for the first time, I told Danny ‘you have the Derby winner.’ But unfortunately, you know, the Derby is a crazy race and we drew that No. 1 hole.” He further mentioned how they had a good feeling about Dornoch’s chances in Belmont and their hunch was right. After his first-place finish at the Saratoga Race Course, Dornoch’s trainer, Danny Gargan, is looking forward to the Travers Stakes in August.

In the world of horse racing, the Travers Stakes in August garners high anticipation. It’s often referred to as the “Mid-Summer Derby” and is held annually at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. The race covers a distance of 1 1/4 miles. This makes it a challenging and prestigious test of speed and stamina. Initially, they doubted whether Dornoch would be a good fit for the Triple Crown. Gargan had stated, “I wouldn’t be shocked if we just wait and run him in the Travers, but we’ll have to wait and see.” However, running him in Belmont was definitely advantageous. This is Dornoch’s first triple crown finish and we’re looking forward to many more such winning races.