Japan’s Yutaka Take has been named the highest earning jockey of all time globally, with career winnings of US$796.1 million according to new research from online betting guide OLBG.com.
Using data compiled from sources such as Equibase, Umanity and Racing Post to calculate the career earnings of jockeys around the world, OLBG.com this week announced its list of the top 50 earners with Take coming out on top ahead of countrymen Norihiro Yokoyama in second place with US$560.6 million and Masayoshi Ebina in third with US$479.4 million.
The earnings comprise total prize money won on all rides before distribution among stakeholders. Jockeys typically earn around 5% of prize money from their rides, although that number can be as high as 10% in certain circumstances – suggesting Take’s career take would be a very respectable US$39.8 million at a minimum. The Japanese legend boasts 4,249 career wins.
The all-time career list is dominated by Japanese riders, who fill eight of the top 10 places and 25 of the top 50.
“Take is a living legend in his native Japan, and holds multiple all-time records after following in the footsteps of his father, Kunihiko, who was also a famed jockey,” said OLBG.com in announcing the list.
Japan is home to the largest racing industry in the world, with Japan Racing Association President and CEO Masayuki Goto ranking in 13th place on IAG’s Asian Gaming Power 50 list in 2020. The strength of Japan’s racing industry is often pointed to as tangible evidence of the Japanese propensity to gamble by those seeking to develop integrated resorts in the country.