Horse racing has made fortunes for its greatest jockeys and trainers — though, unlike many sports, most of that wealth comes from riding retainers, training fees and prize-money percentages rather than headline salaries. Below we rank some of the richest names in the sport by estimated net worth, with a link to each figure’s full profile and career record.
| # | Name | Country | Role | Est. Net Worth (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sir Tony McCoy | Northern Ireland | Jockey (jumps) | ~£24M |
| 2 | Willie Mullins | Ireland | Trainer (jumps) | ~£20M+ |
| 3 | Frankie Dettori | Italy / UK | Jockey (flat) | ~£15–18M |
| 4 | Aidan O’Brien | Ireland | Trainer (flat) | Est. substantial |
| 5 | Hollie Doyle | England | Jockey (flat) | ~£3–4M |
| 6 | Oisin Murphy | Ireland | Jockey (flat) | ~£2.8M |
| 7 | Ryan Moore | England | Jockey (flat) | Est. several million |
| 8 | Ruby Walsh | Ireland | Jockey (jumps) | ~£1M+ |
| 9 | Rachael Blackmore | Ireland | Jockey (jumps) | Est. low millions |
| 10 | Lester Piggott | England | Jockey (flat) | Not documented |
Net-worth figures are best-available estimates and, for several figures, are not officially disclosed; each is explained on the linked profile.
Why Jockeys and Trainers Earn Differently
A jockey typically earns a riding fee per race plus a percentage of prize money and, for the elite, a retainer from a major owner — which is why long-serving champions like Sir Tony McCoy and Frankie Dettori built the biggest riding fortunes. Trainers such as Willie Mullins and Aidan O’Brien earn training fees across huge strings plus prize-money shares and breeding interests, giving them a different, often larger, wealth base.
The Modern Champions
Among current riders, Oisin Murphy and Hollie Doyle are building fast-growing fortunes, while Ryan Moore rides the best horses in the world for Coolmore. Trailblazer Rachael Blackmore and Cheltenham king Ruby Walsh show how jump racing’s biggest names turn Festival glory into lasting profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest jockey of all time?
Among those ranked here, Sir Tony McCoy has the largest estimated fortune at around £24 million, built on 20 champion-jockey titles and elite owner retainers.
Who is the richest horse racing trainer?
Willie Mullins is estimated at over £20 million, thanks to record prize-money hauls, training fees and breeding operations.
How do jockeys make their money?
Mostly through riding fees per race, a percentage of prize money, retainers from major owners and, increasingly, sponsorships and media work.