The Kentucky Derby will begin at 6:57 p.m. ET Saturday at Churchill Downs, as 20 horses vie for the first leg of the 2022 Triple Crown.
While the Preakness and Belmont Stakes are also among horse racing's most prestigious crowns, the Kentucky Derby's "Run for the Roses" still stands a head above the rest — especially when it comes to the prize money involved.
While most of the Kentucky Derby's purse goes to the winner, the top five will get sizable payouts.
MORE: Kentucky Derby post positions: Full draw & odds for the 2022 Triple Crown race
Epicenter and Zandon are this year's favorites to win the grand prize, as they try to claim one of the most coveted titles in horse racing.
Here's what you need to know about the payouts for the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
What is the Kentucky Derby purse in 2022?
This year's Kentucky Derby purse is $3 million for the fourth straight year.
How much money does the Kentucky Derby winner get?
The winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby will receive $1.86 million, which is more than 60 percent of the total purse.
Prize money breakdown for Kentucky Derby 2022
| Place | Prize Money |
| 1 | $1.86 million |
| 2 | $600,000 |
| 3 | $300,000 |
| 4 | $150,000 |
| 5 | $90,000 |
MORE: Who will win the Kentucky Derby? Horses, odds, expert picks & more
Kentucky Derby prize money compared to other Triple Crown races
| Race | Date | Purse (2021 figures) |
| Kentucky Derby | May 7, 2022 | $3 million |
| Preakness Stakes | May 21, 2022 | $1.5 million |
| Belmont Stakes | June 11, 2022 | $1 million |
