The 2026 Pegasus World Cup returned to Gulfstream Park on Saturday, January 24, marking ten years of an event that has reshaped the modern Thoroughbred calendar. Before a sell-out crowd exceeding 10,000, the anniversary edition blended top-class racing with South Florida spectacle, reinforcing the meeting’s status as a global showcase for the sport.
Nationally televised and distributed worldwide, the milestone afternoon drew racing followers alongside figures from entertainment, sport and fashion, underlining how the Pegasus has grown from a bold concept into a fixed point on the international racing calendar.
Race Details and Winners
The centrepiece, the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational (Grade I), was claimed by the seasoned Skippylongstocking. Owned by Daniel Alonso, trained by Saffie A. Joseph Jr. and partnered by Tyler Gaffalione, the dark bay produced a determined performance to secure the biggest victory of his career. The winning connections were presented with the Baccarat Pegase Horse in Black and the event’s signature championship rings.
Earlier on the card, the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Championship Turf Invitational (Grade I) went to Test Score, owned by Amerman Racing LLC, trained by H. Graham Motion and ridden by Manuel Franco. The $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (Grade II) was captured by Destino D’Oro for owner Steve Landers Racing LLC, trainer Brad Cox and jockey Jose Alvarado.
Across the 13-race programme, 164 horses competed for more than $5.8 million in prize money, with graded stakes winners, international challengers and established stars ensuring depth and quality throughout the afternoon.
Context and Significance
Speaking after the meeting, Belinda Stronach, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 1/ST, reflected on the journey of the race. She described the 10th anniversary as a celebration “in true South Florida style,” noting how the Pegasus has evolved into one of the most anticipated dates in racing by uniting elite competition with entertainment, hospitality and culture.
The anniversary was also formally recognised by civic leaders, with proclamations from Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper and Aventura Mayor Howard Weinberg highlighting the event’s cultural and economic significance for the region.
Beyond the Track
The reimagined Flamingo Room stood out as the flagship hospitality space, offering sweeping views of the track, curated dining concepts and live music, culminating in a post-race performance by Empire of the Sun. Elsewhere, the Pegasus Fan Zone and Carousel Club delivered a festival-like atmosphere with headline DJ sets, celebrity appearances and premium trackside experiences, reinforcing the event’s reputation for blending racing with contemporary culture.
A host of notable attendees and digital creators added to the occasion, reflecting the Pegasus World Cup’s reach beyond traditional racing circles and its appeal to a new generation of fans.
Conclusion
Ten years on, the 2026 Pegasus World Cup served as both a celebration of past innovation and a statement of intent for the future. With strong fields, polished presentation and broad cultural pull, the anniversary edition confirmed the race’s place as one of the most influential fixtures in Thoroughbred racing.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.