Kriti Mehrotra
Born on November 3, 1985, in Lafayette, Louisiana, as one of three kids to Stephanie and Brian Hernandez Sr., Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr. has always been surrounded by horse racing. After all, per his own accounts in Netflix’s ‘Race for the Crown,’ his grandfather was the proud owner of thoroughbred horses, leading his father to eventually have a career as a Jockey. Therefore, he and his siblings all followed in their father’s footsteps, only for him to have carried that legacy to another level in the past few years.
How Did Brian Hernandez Jr. Earn His Money?
Brian Hernandez Jr. knew from an early age that he wanted to be involved in the world of horse racing in one way or another, so he spent most of his free time learning the ins and outs of it. His family was reportedly one of his primary motivations for doing so, but so were the beautiful horses and the adrenaline rush he got from witnessing/being a part of the sport first-hand. Thus, as soon as he graduated from high school and was able, he earned his global jockey license and began riding on a professional level in 2003, when he was merely 17 or 18. He made his debut the same year before securing his first official win on November 29, 2003, which he followed with several more.
The 2004 season was arguably his best because he won a grand total of 243 races, eventually earning the highly coveted Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in just his second year. As the years passed, Brian kept on honing his skills and proving his mettle with wins at the Edgewood Stakes (2007), Ack Ack Handicap (2012), Cornhusker Handicap (2012), Indiana Oaks (2012, 2023), Whitney Handicap (2012), and Beaumont Stakes (2013), amongst many others. Brian even won the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park on November 3, 2012 – his 27th birthday – leading him to receive the attention of renowned trainer and bloodstock agent Kenny McPeek. As the duo got to know one another and began working together professionally, they realized they had the same approach when it came to this sport, making them a near-perfect match.
In fact, it is on Kenny’s horses that the jockey has had some of his most memorable wins, including the incredible Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby Double-Double in 2024. It wasn’t until 2016 that Brian made his Derby debut, but once he did, it was impossible for him to be held back as he achieved wonders with the help of his agent, wife, kids, and other loved ones. So, in spring 2024, at the age of 38, he became the 9th jockey in history and the first since 2009 to win both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby in the same year on different horses. He admittedly used to say that winning the latter was his ultimate goal when he was a child, yet now that he has accomplished it, he has only expanded his wings in the hopes of doing more.
Brian Hernandez Jr.’s Net Worth
Considering the fact that Brian has actively been serving as a jockey for over two decades, with no plans of slowing down or stopping anytime soon, he has undeniably managed to accumulate significant wealth. According to reports, since these athletes risk their lives by mounting 900 to 1200-pound horses every single day as they race at a speed of over 40 miles an hour, they are appropriately compensated for it. In fact, they bag a set fee for each race-day mount, receive a percentage of the winning purse if they secure first position, and can also likely have additional income with brand deals, bonuses, endorsements, and partnerships. As per Brian, when he won the Kentucky Derby in 2024, the prize money for which was $5 million, he saw a payday of $300,000 before taxes plus expenses, as he got 10% of the horse’s 60% share.
Since then, Brian has done several interviews, made public appearances, and even worked with organizations to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), all of which have likely played a role in his earnings, too. It’s also imperative to note that throughout his career, the now-Kentucky-based family man and legacy jockey has reportedly participated in at least 10,000 races, out of which he has won an astounding 2500+. We should also mention that, per our estimate, Brian bags at least $1,000 for each mount and earns an additional $30,000 per month from sponsorships or partnerships of some kind. Therefore, taking into account all these details, along with his lifestyle, assets, likely investments, returns, and expenses, we believe his net worth is in the range of $40 million.
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