Cheers echoed across the Woodbine backstretch on Thursday as Woodbine Entertainment announced an exciting partnership with 1/ST Racing, confirming that the Dance Smartly Stakes (G2) will now serve as an official qualifier for the 2026 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park.
For trainers, owners, and jockeys, the stakes have never been higher. The winner of the Dance Smartly Stakes, scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, will earn an automatic invitation to the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational — one of the most prestigious events on the global racing calendar.
A Pathway from Toronto to South Florida
The Dance Smartly Stakes, run over 1 1/16 miles on Woodbine’s Inner Turf Course, has long been a highlight of the Canadian racing season. But this year, the race gains an added layer of international significance, connecting Woodbine directly to Gulfstream Park’s world-class Pegasus World Cup weekend.
This thrilling turf showdown is part of a blockbuster race day card headlined by the $750,000 Canadian International (G1), ensuring one of the most competitive and glamorous meetings of the season.
Tim Lawson, Vice-President of Thoroughbred Racing at Woodbine, expressed his excitement about the collaboration:
“We’re pleased to partner with the team at 1/ST Racing to add this unique opportunity to the Dance Smartly,” Lawson said. “Pegasus World Cup Day has become an outstanding showcase of our sport, and it’s exciting that the chance to be part of it will now be connected to a prominent race on one of our biggest days of the season.”
Pegasus World Cup Turns Ten in 2026
The Pegasus World Cup, launched in 2017, has quickly grown into one of horse racing’s most prestigious international events — a celebration of sport, luxury, and entertainment. Marking its 10th anniversary in January 2026, the event attracts top horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the globe.
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST Racing, emphasized the broader significance of the deal:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Woodbine in linking the Dance Smartly to Pegasus World Cup Day,” Butler said. “This collaboration strengthens the global profile of both events while providing horsemen and fans with a world-class pathway from Toronto to South Florida.”
A Global Stage for Canadian Talent
For Canadian trainers and owners, this partnership opens the door to an elite stage. Winning the Dance Smartly Stakes now comes with the chance to compete against the best in the world at Gulfstream Park, providing new international opportunities and exposure.
With Woodbine preparing for one of its most anticipated racing days on October 4, anticipation is already building as contenders set their sights on securing a place among racing’s global elite.
Woodbine partners with 1/ST Racing to make the Dance Smartly Stakes a qualifying race for the 2026 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational. The October 4 winner will earn an automatic place in the $500,000 Gulfstream Park showcase, linking Toronto’s premier turf event to one of the sport’s most prestigious global stages.
Read the full story and more racing updates on RaceBuzz.
