question about purse money

Question
i am writing a report on thoroughbred horse racing for a class and i was wondering about purse money? it was kind of confusing for me to understand is it the money that the horse wins if it wins? because i was reading about the triploe crown and one book said one million was given to the winner but other book said 750,000.

Answer
HI -- THE PURSE IS WHAT IS OFFERED TO THE FIRST 6 FINISHERS IN A RACE.  THE PURSE IS DIVIDED UP FOR THE FIRST 6 FINISHERS. SOMETHING LIKE 60% FOR FIRST , 20% FOR SECOND--10% FOR THIRD---5% FOR 4TH 3% FOR 5TH AND 2% FOR 6TH PLACE. HOPE THAT HELPS YOU  THANKS  ED HESS