</p>
The jockey who was supposed to ride Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom in Saturday's race will get paid like he did.

Robby Albarado was replaced one day before the Derby by the horse's owner and trainer due to concerns about an injury he suffered during a race earlier in the week. John Velazquez took over the mount and rode the 20-1 longshot to the winner's circle. He received $141,180 for the two-minute ride, the standard 10 percent of the purse.

It was revealed Wednesday that Velazquez and horse owner Barry Irwin will pay*undisclosed, matching amounts to Albarado as a reward.*

"It's basically because we know what it means emotionally to a guy like that," Irwin said to the Associated Press. "I like the guy and have a high regard for him as a jockey."

The gesture is a classy one and surely much appreciated by Albarado. Is it necessary, though? Paying Albarado would seem to discount the notion that a jockey plays a role in a horse race. It's like they're saying that Animal Kingdom would have won no matter who was in the saddle.

Does it stink that Albarado got hurt and had to be taken off the mount? Yes, but that's life. Eric Stoltz was supposed to be in "Back to the Future," it doesn't mean Michael J. Fox should cut him in on residual checks. Pete Best didn't get any money when The Beatles licensed music to iTunes. Kurt Warner didn't cut his 1999 MVP trophy in half and give it to Trent Green. Being there before doesn't entitle you to any reward for things that happen after you've gone.

Both jockeys are among the most successful in their sport. Each have ridden over 4,000 winners and frequently appear near the top of the annual purse earnings list.


Follow Yahoo! Sports on Facebook and be the first to know about the most interesting stories of the day.

Other popular Yahoo! Sports stories:
• Eye-popping HS softball score a national record
• NBA star's frightening new tattoo
• NBA team unveils dramatic uniform changes