For most jockeys, winning the world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintree is much better than the money that comes with it – but being the most lucrative UK jumps race on the calendar it’s still a huge payday for the winning rider.
But just how much can the Grand National-winning jockey expect to earn?
The 2025 Grand National-Winning Jockey Will Get Around 9% Of The First Prize
With the 2025 Grand National prize money pool at £1m and the winning horse getting £500,000 of this – there is a lucrative carrot on offer for the jockey that steers home the first past the post.
This is because jump jockeys in the UK will get around 9% of any first prize winnings – which equates to £45,000 based on the £500k top earnings on offer.
On top of this, every jockey in the Grand National will command a riding fee – which for jump riders currently stands at £227.92.
Meaning, in total, the 2025 Grand National-winning jockey will be banking a cool £45,227.92 (before tax).
Not bad for just ten minutes work.
In addition to the winners’ percentage, the jockeys that fill the places will also get 3.44% of any winnings – plus, of course, their riding fees.
While jockeys can also top up their earnings with sponsorship deals, while others – like Cheltenham Gold Cup winning rider Mark Walsh – are on retainers with certain owners.
You can see the full Grand National prize money split below – with even the horse in tenth walking away with £5,000.
2025 Grand National Prize Money Breakdown
- 1ST: £500,000
- 2nd: £200,000
- 3rd: £100,000
- 4th: £65,000
- 5th: £40,000
- 6th: £30,000
- 7th: £20,000
- 8th: £15,000
- 9th: £10,000
- 10th: £5,000
Jockey Riding Fees 2025 (Jumps and Flat Riders)
| UK Jockey Riding Fees 2025 | Set Riding Fee | Prizemoney % |
| Flat | £167.67 | 7% (win) and 2.61% (place) |
| Jumps |
£227.92 | 9% (win) and 3.44% (place) |
Figures correct as Jan 2025 according to PJA
WATCH: Jockey Paul Townend’s Big Payday After Winning The 2024 Grand National on I Am Maximus
Jockey Earning Examples For Some Of The Biggest UK Jump Races 2025
| Race | Prize Money (Win) 2025 | Jockey Riding Fee | Jockey Win % | Total Earned |
| Grand National | £500,000.00 | £227.92 | £45,000.00 | £45,227.92 |
| Cheltenham Gold Cup | £364,313.57 | £227.92 | £32,788.77 | £33,016.14 |
| Champion Hurdle | £255,006.00 | £227.92 | £22,950.00 | £23,177.92 |
| Champion Chase | £226,994.00 | £227.92 | £20,429.46 | £20,657.38 |
Do Jockeys Still Get Paid If Their Horse Is A Non-Runner?
Yes, jockeys in the UK get a 50% riding fee if their horse is a non-runner.
In the UK, the horse declaration times are 48 hours (both flat and jumps) for each day.
Therefore, if a horse is deemed a non-runner AFTER being declared to run with a jockey booked, that rider will still get 50% of the fee.
Which would be £83.84 (flat) and £113.96 (jumps).
Note: All figures on this page are a guide and subject to change
