Preakness Purse & Prize Money Breakdown for 2017

Cloud Computing earned $900,000 for winning the Preakness. (Getty)

According to the Triple Crown, the Preakness purse has a guaranteed $1.5 million. Cloud Computing will take away 60 percent of the purse which amounts to $900,000.

Classic Empire earns $300,000 which equals 20 percent of the purse. Senior Investment amounts to $165,000 equaling 11 percent of the total winnings. Lookin at Lee earns six percent equaling $90,000. Gunnevera is the last position to earn money taking away $45,000 which equals three percent of the purse.

By comparison, the Preakness’ purse is a good bit lower than the Kentucky Derby. The 2017 Kentucky Derby paid out $2,395,800 with Always Dreaming earning $1,635,800 which is more than the entire Preakness purse.

The Preakness does have an upward trajectory with the purse moving from $1 million to $1.5 million starting in 2014. According to WBAL TV, the purse for the first race was $2,050.

In addition to the prize money, the winning owner receives an added benefit. According to CNN, the Woodlawn Vase is thought to be the most valuable trophy in American sports valued at $1 million. It is held at the Baltimore Museum of Art except on race day. The owner receives a $30,000 replica of the silver vase.

Derby winner Always Dreaming entered the 2017 Preakness as the favorite but was upset by Cloud Computing. Derby horses Classic Empire and Lookin at Lee were also at the top of the odds.

Heading into the Preakness, Always Dreaming had already earned $2,260,600 in 2017 a number that would have reached over $3 million by finding the Winner’s Circle at the Preakness.