The purse for the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) has been boosted to $5 million, a great leap from $3 million since 2019. ...

In addition, Churchill Downs announced Wednesday (Jan. 10) a 50-race stakes schedule worth a total of $25.6 million for is spring meet from Apil 27-June 30. Last year’s schedule was $20.5 million.

Churchill Downs said the increase is due to the company’s investment into historical horse racing, which boosts funding for live racing.