Top 5 Highest-Paid Jockeys in the World
Jockeys may not always be in the limelight, but the highest-paid ones have amassed immense wealth and fame over their careers. Here’s a look at the top 5 highest-earning jockeys in the world, highlighting their career milestones and contributions to the sport.
1. Yutaka Take – $971 Million
Topping the list is Yutaka Take, a legendary jockey from Japan with an astounding $971 million in career earnings and 4,561 career wins. Take followed in the footsteps of his father, Kunihiko Take, also a renowned jockey.
A household name in Japan, Take’s dominance in the sport is unparalleled. He has won numerous prestigious races, including the Japan Cup and the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). His popularity transcends racing, making him a celebrity in his homeland.
Take’s consistency, skill, and longevity in the sport have solidified his position as one of the greatest jockeys of all time.
2. Norihiro Yokoyama – $615 Million
In second place is another Japanese superstar, Norihiro Yokoyama, with $615 million in career earnings and 2,964 wins. Despite being relatively unknown outside Japan, Yokoyama has enjoyed a highly successful career.
He has competed in some of Japan’s most prestigious races, securing victories that have contributed to his impressive earnings. Prize money in Japan is significantly higher than in most other countries, making it a lucrative destination for jockeys.
Yokoyama’s impressive record makes him a force to be reckoned with, particularly on Japanese soil.
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3. Yuichi Fukunaga – $561 Million
Third on the list is Yuichi Fukunaga, another prominent Japanese jockey, with $561 million in career earnings and 2,636 wins. In 2024, Fukunaga transitioned to a new role after being granted a training license in 2022, effectively ending his illustrious career as a jockey.
Fukunaga’s riding career was filled with notable achievements, including multiple wins in Japan’s top races. His switch to training means he will no longer be adding to his impressive list of victories, but his contributions to the sport continue.
4. Masayoshi Ebina – $505 Million
In fourth place is Masayoshi Ebina, yet another Japanese jockey, with $505 million in career earnings and 2,541 career wins. Ebina is best known for his partnership with El Condor Pasa, one of Japan’s greatest racehorses.
Ebina gained international recognition by winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in France and finishing second in the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. His ability to perform at the highest level both at home and abroad cemented his reputation as one of Japan’s finest jockeys.
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5. John R. Velazquez – $493 Million
The first non-Japanese jockey on the list is John R. Velazquez, representing North America with $493 million in career earnings and an impressive 6,677 wins. Velazquez has won numerous American classics, including:
- 3 Kentucky Derbies
- 2 Belmont Stakes
- 1 Preakness Stakes
Velazquez has been crowned American Champion Jockey by Earnings twice and is one of the most respected and successful jockeys in US racing history. His longevity, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure have kept him at the top of the game for decades.
Why Japanese Jockeys Dominate the List
Interestingly, four of the top five highest-earning jockeys hail from Japan, a testament to the lucrative prize money offered in Japanese horse racing. The country’s racing culture, combined with high stakes and large purses, has made Japan an attractive hub for jockeys worldwide.
However, Japanese jockeys have shown that they are nearly unbeatable on their home turf, leaving little room for foreign competitors.
Legends in the Saddle
These five jockeys have not only amassed incredible wealth but have also left an indelible mark on the world of horse racing. From Yutaka Take’s unparalleled dominance to John Velazquez’s American classics, their careers are a testament to skill, determination, and longevity.
As the sport continues to evolve, future jockeys will look to these icons as inspiration, but for now, these five stand tall as the highest-paid jockeys in the history of horse racing.
