2026 Belmont Stakes prize money totals $2 million with $1.2 million for the winner

The 2026 Belmont Stakes will take place this Saturday as the third leg of the horse racing triple crown. With a total purse of $2 million, the winner will receive 60% of that amount, translating to $1.2 million. The prize distribution also includes payouts for horses finishing down to eighth place, with the seventh and eighth finishers each taking home $20,000. This year's purse is unchanged from 2025, though it significantly trails the $5 million purse of the Kentucky Derby. The Belmont Stakes follows intriguing outcomes at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, building anticipation for the event.

• 6:50 AMYahoo Sports — Belmont Stakes payout breakdown: How much prize money will the winner get in 2026?