The 2025 Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be a fascinating race — not just because of the talent on the track, but also because of the dramatic differences in how much each horse cost its owners. From million-dollar purchases to bargain buys, the range is wider than ever this year. Let’s dive deep into how much each horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby cost and what it means for Derby history.
How Much Each 2025 Kentucky Derby Horse Cost | Full Breakdown
The Million-Dollar Horses: Sandman and Baeza
Two of the most talked-about contenders in the 2025 Kentucky Derby are Sandman and Baeza, both purchased for a staggering $1.2 million. These two horses are the only entries in this year’s Derby that exceeded the million-dollar mark at auction.
- Sandman, the most expensive horse in the field, was bought as a 2-year-old and is a top contender based on both price and performance.
- Baeza shares the same purchase price and expectations are high for this premium investment.
Historically, million-dollar Derby horses haven’t always delivered. In fact, of the 23 Derby starters purchased for at least $1 million since 1982, only three have finished in the money. Still, Sandman and Baeza are carrying the hopes of their owners and bettors alike.
The Underdog Story: Chunk of Gold
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Chunk of Gold, a horse that cost just $2,500 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton fall yearling sale. Former owner Chris Melton initially intended to bid up to $20,000 but secured Chunk of Gold for a fraction of that.
“When I got him for $2,500 I thought, uh oh, I’ve missed something,” said Melton. “He was a little immature, but you could tell he was going to grow up and be a good-looking horse.”
Current owner Terry Stephens acquired Melton’s share privately after Chunk of Gold broke his maiden at Turfway Park, but even now, his total investment is a mere fraction compared to most of the field.
At 30-1 morning-line odds, Chunk of Gold could make history as the cheapest public auction purchase to win the Derby since 1960, adjusted for inflation.
Kentucky Derby 151 Horse Purchase Prices
Here’s a complete breakdown of how much each horse cost:
| Post Position | Horse | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citizen Bull | $675,000 |
| 2 | Neoequos | $22,000 |
| 3 | Final Gambit | Homebred |
| 4 | Rodriguez | $485,000 |
| 5 | American Promise | $750,000 |
| 6 | Admire Daytona | $480,276 |
| 7 | Luxor Café | Homebred |
| 8 | Journalism | $825,000 |
| 9 | Burnham Square | Homebred |
| 10 | Grande | $300,000 |
| 11 | Flying Mohawk | $72,000 |
| 12 | East Avenue | Homebred |
| 13 | Publisher | $600,000 |
| 14 | Tiztastic | $335,000 |
| 15 | Render Judgment | $310,000 |
| 16 | Coal Battle | $70,000 |
| 17 | Sandman | $1,200,000 |
| 18 | Sovereignty | Homebred |
| 19 | Chunk of Gold | $2,500 |
| 20 | Owen Almighty | $350,000 |
Quick Highlights:
- Most expensive: Sandman $1,200,000)
- Least expensive: Chunk of Gold ($2,500)
- Top bargain buys: Neoequos ($22,000), Flying Mohawk ($72,000), and Coal Battle ($70,000)
- Notable homebreds: Final Gambit, Luxor Café, Burnham Square, East Avenue, and Sovereignty
Homebred Horses: The Silent Threat
Five horses in the 2025 Kentucky Derby field are homebreds, meaning they were bred and raised by their current owners rather than purchased at a public auction. Historically, homebreds have had strong showings in the Derby. In fact, last year’s winner, Mystik Dan, was a homebred.
Homebreds like Final Gambit, Luxor Café, and Burnham Square could very well surprise the field, continuing the trend that a large price tag isn’t a requirement for Derby success.
Purchase Price vs. Performance: What History Tells Us
It’s tempting to assume that spending more money guarantees a Derby winner, but history suggests otherwise:
- 2024 winner Mystik Dan: Homebred (no auction purchase price)
- 2023 winner Mage: Purchased for $290,000 as a 2-year-old
- 2022 winner Rich Strike: Bought for $30,000 via a claiming race
Only Fusaichi Pegasus, purchased for $4 million, holds the record for the most expensive Kentucky Derby winner in public auction history since 1982. But beyond that, million-dollar horses have struggled.
Since 1960, 33 Derby winners have been purchased at public auction, and only one cost more than $575,000. That statistic alone shows that while price can indicate potential, it’s never a guarantee of success on the first Saturday in May.
Why Price Isn’t Everything
There are many factors that go into creating a Derby champion:
- Pedigree: Strong bloodlines are critical but not foolproof.
- Training: The right trainer can polish raw talent into championship form.
- Development: Some horses mature faster or later than others.
- Racing style: The ability to handle the Derby’s fast pace and large field matters enormously.
Chunk of Gold’s underdog story reminds us that value can come from unlikely places. Meanwhile, horses like Sandman carry the weight of million-dollar expectations.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Kentucky Derby field showcases one of the widest ranges of horse purchase prices in modern memory. Whether it’s the multimillion-dollar star Sandman, the bargain buy Chunk of Gold, or one of the talented homebreds, the Derby proves year after year that heart, training, and a little bit of luck matter just as much as a big price tag.
One thing is certain: when the gates open at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2025, no one will be thinking about how much these horses cost — only about who can cross the finish line first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which horse was the most expensive in the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Sandman was the most expensive horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, purchased for $1.2 million as a 2-year-old.
How much did Chunk of Gold cost its original owner?
Chunk of Gold was originally purchased for just $2,500 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton fall yearling sale, making him the least expensive horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
How many homebred horses are in the 2025 Kentucky Derby field?
There are five homebred horses in the 2025 Kentucky Derby: Final Gambit, Luxor Café, Burnham Square, East Avenue, and Sovereignty.
Has a cheap horse ever won the Kentucky Derby before?
Yes, in 2022, Rich Strike won the Kentucky Derby after being purchased for just $30,000 in a claiming race, proving that price isn’t everything.
Does spending more guarantee success in the Kentucky Derby?
No, spending a lot does not guarantee success. Historical data shows that many Derby winners were purchased for relatively modest amounts.
