Many people assume that jockeys are the major breadwinners in the world of horse racing. While some fare well financially, most earn a pretty modest salary. Read on for more interesting income-related facts about horse racing.

• Typically self-employed, jockeys are hired by horse trainers to ride their horses in races. For each race, jockeys receive a minimum mount fee ranging from $35 to $100 and a percentage of the purse for first, second and third. The mount fee is paid regardless of the prize money that the horse earns for a race.
• Jockeys earn their living by competing in races. The more races they win, the greater their incomes.
• Aside from the large purses for first and second place, most jockeys walk away with a mount fee of only $25 to $50 for any given race.
• A few jockeys earn six figures or more a year, but most earn a modest income of about $30,000 to $40,000 a year in a sport that requires frequent travel and equipment expenses.
• Jockey John Velazquez earned the most money in 2008, receiving a share of purses worth about $2.1 million.