The Pegasus World Cup returned to Gulfstream Park on Saturday, January 24, marking its 10th anniversary as one of the most powerful and disruptive forces in modern Thoroughbred racing. What began a decade ago as a bold reimagining of the sport has evolved into a global luxury event—one that seamlessly blends elite competition, high-stakes wagering, hospitality, entertainment, and cultural cachet.
The milestone edition unfolded before a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 guests, drawing A-list celebrities, global tastemakers, and racing purists alike. Nationally broadcast and distributed worldwide, the Pegasus World Cup once again affirmed its place as a defining fixture on the international racing calendar—and arguably horse racing’s most glamorous stage.
Championship Racing at the Highest Level
At the center of the day’s spectacle was world-class racing. The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational (GI) was claimed by Skippylongstocking, owned by Daniel Alonso, trained by Saffie A. Joseph, Jr., and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione. The winning connections were presented with the Baccarat Pegase Horse in Black, valued at $57,000, along with the signature championship rings by Belinda Stronach, Chairman and CEO of 1/ST.
The $1 million Pegasus World Cup Championship Turf Invitational (GI) was won by Test Score, owned by Amerman Racing LLC, trained by H. Graham Motion, and ridden by Manuel Franco, receiving the Baccarat Pegase Horse in Clear, valued at $50,000. Meanwhile, the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (GII) went to Destino D’Oro, owned by Steve Landers Racing LLC, trained by Brad Cox, and ridden by Jose Alvarado. Winning connections toasted their victories with Champagne Pommery, reinforcing the event’s signature blend of sport and luxury.
The 2026 race day also set a new record handle of $48.5 million, surpassing the previous 2024 record of $47 million. Across the 13-race card, 164 horses competed for more than $5.8 million in purses, featuring graded stakes winners, international contenders, and championship-caliber runners.
“What began a decade ago as a bold idea has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in horse racing,” said Belinda Stronach. “The 10th anniversary Pegasus World Cup lived up to its reputation as horse racing’s hottest party—uniting world-class sport with entertainment, hospitality, and culture.”
A-List Attendance and Cultural Influence
The Pegasus World Cup has become as much a cultural event as a sporting one. This year’s notable attendees included Mark Wahlberg, Kevin O’Leary, Offset, Braxton Berrios, Larsa Pippen, David and Isabela Grutman, Hannah Selleck, and a host of business leaders, athletes, creatives, and influencers. Content creators such as Dale Moss, Myles O’Neal, Kelley Flanagan, Xandra Pohl, Paris Hilinski, and Myles Shear amplified the event across social platforms, extending its reach well beyond the racetrack.
Elevated Hospitality, Miami Style
Reimagined for the 10th anniversary, the Flamingo Room delivered the ultimate VIP experience. Guests enjoyed sweeping track views and cuisine curated by Groot Hospitality concepts including Gekkō, Komodo, Papi Steak, and Casadonna, alongside live performances by Brian Newman and a post-race DJ and vocal set by Empire of the Sun, who performed their iconic hit “Walking on a Dream.” Select VIPs sipped Cartier Champagne, the luxury jeweler’s exclusive sparkling wine.
Additional private hospitality experiences were curated by Spicy Hospitality Group, featuring YASU Omakase and The Joyce, while Merrill Lynch hosted guests in a dedicated Flamingo Room section with white-glove service and prime finish-line views.
Signature cocktails reflected the event’s South Florida flair, including the Pegasus Paloma—crafted with Don Julio Tequila—and the Dos Cupolas, a tropical reinterpretation of the Mint Julep using Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
Meanwhile, Groot Hospitality and Palm Tree Crew infused the Pegasus Fan Zone at the Carousel Club with Miami energy. Performances by Two Friends, alongside sets from Ruckus and Rae Sada, transformed race day into a full-scale entertainment destination, while the adjacent Carousel Club VIP Garden offered on-the-rail views paired with premium food and beverage offerings.
A Platform for Global Brands
The Pegasus World Cup continues to attract an elite roster of partners across luxury, spirits, lifestyle, and global brands. This year’s supporters included Anheuser-Busch, Don Julio 70® Cristalino Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniel’s, Baccarat, Champagne Pommery, Delta SkyMiles, Pepsi, CELSIUS® Energy Drinks, Visit Lauderdale, La Flor Dominicana Cigars, and leading Thoroughbred breeders Coolmore, Lane’s End, and Spendthrift Farm.
The celebration extended well beyond the track, culminating at LIV Nightclub Miami for the official Pegasus World Cup after-party, headlined by Frank Walker and ARTY.
A Global Broadcast Powerhouse
The event aired nationally on NBC and Peacock, with full-day coverage on FanDuel TV and global distribution via HBA Media, reaching audiences in more than 150 territories worldwide—underscoring the Pegasus World Cup’s stature as a truly international brand.
As the Pegasus World Cup closes its tenth chapter, the 2026 edition reaffirmed its legacy as horse racing’s most dynamic intersection of elite sport, luxury hospitality, and global culture—a model that continues to redefine what modern racing can be.
For more information, visit www.pegasusworldcup.com and follow @PegasusWorldCup on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.
