The upcoming Sunshine Meet at Gulfstream Park is gearing up for an exhilarating run from September 5 through November 23, 2025. With 17 stakes events offering a collective purse of $1.625 million, the meet is set to deliver top-class action for racing fans and connections alike.
At the heart of the schedule is the Grade 3 Princess Rooney Invitational, which takes place on September 20. This high-profile seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares isn’t just a fan-favorite—it also comes with a golden ticket to the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, set for November 1 at Del Mar. The winner of the Princess Rooney will earn a fees-paid berth into the prestigious championship race, making this a pivotal stop on the road to the Breeders’ Cup.
The Princess Rooney has built a strong legacy over the years. In 2024, Soul of an Angel, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., produced a powerful performance to win the race before going on to capture the Breeders’ Cup sprint title in dramatic fashion. Another standout, Ce Ce, trained by Michael McCarthy, claimed the Princess Rooney in 2021 and followed it up with Breeders’ Cup glory at Del Mar the same year. Both Soul of an Angel and Ce Ce were later crowned Eclipse Award champions for their exceptional campaigns.
The Sunshine Meet also kicks off the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association’s popular Florida Sire Stakes (FTBOA FSS) series. These races spotlight the best of Florida-bred juveniles and offer a rich platform for up-and-coming talent. The action begins on September 6 with the $100,000 Dr. Fager for colts and geldings, and the $100,000 Desert Vixen for fillies—both over six furlongs.
Racing returns to the series on October 18 with the $150,000 Affirmed and $150,000 Susan’s Girl—each extended to seven furlongs and attracting deeper competition as the young horses develop. The same day will also feature the $100,000 Gil Campbell Memorial, a one-mile event for older Florida-breds. This race honors the legacy of Gil Campbell, who served as president of the FTBOA and was a pivotal figure in Florida breeding. His family’s Stonehedge Farm South continues to contribute to the state’s racing scene.
Pending completion of ongoing turf course renovations, seven of the scheduled stakes are set to be run on grass. Turf action will launch on Princess Rooney day itself, with two $75,000 contests: the Bob Umphrey Sprint, a sharp five-furlong race for older horses, and the Ginger Punch, a one-mile feature for fillies and mares.
The blend of established stars, emerging talent, and turf drama makes the Sunshine Meet one of Florida’s most eagerly awaited racing festivals. With eyes on Del Mar and beyond, Gulfstream Park is once again ready to set the stage for championship dreams.
