The Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes will once again run this year. This South Florida’s premiere horse racing is known to bring together not only the finest horses, jockeys, and bettors but also A-list celebrities, fashion icons, influencers, and avid fans worldwide.
The 8th running of the Pegasus World Cup this January 27th will be the main attraction at the celebration of world-class Thoroughbred racing hosted by Gulfstream Park. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this upcoming iconic event.
2023 Pegasus Winner
Art Collector won the 2023 Pegasus World Cup. In 2020, he gained popularity in horse racing circles after winning the Blue Grass Stakes. He was expected to make waves at the 2023 Kentucky Derby, but a minor foot injury prevented him from competing. He had to wait until the Preakness Stakes, where he finished fourth. Despite his setbacks, the now 6-year-old has won five races, including the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes at Belmont Park.
Still, he never had a breakthrough win that defined his career. Everything changed when he, ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado and a 15-1 longshot, ran confidently in the stretch and clinched the $3-million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park. Being the recent victor, his Pegasus odds for the upcoming 2024 Pegasus World Cup are high in many sports books.
Baccarat – This Year’s Sponsor & Trophy Purveyor
As noticed, the sponsor for the upcoming 2024 Pegasus World Cup is Baccarat, a well-known luxury brand with almost 260 years of history. A private entrance, handcrafted cocktails, delicious Groot Hospitality cuisine, premier views of performances, and other exclusive perks await chosen ticket holders in the Baccarat Garden at Carousel Club.
The Gulfstream Park’s Carousel Club will soon experience a remarkable transformation thanks to the collaboration between Palm Tree Crew and Groot Hospitality. This VIP experience will provide top-notch entertainment, celebrity sightings, and hospitality to all VIPs.
Additionally, the exclusive post-race performances by the famous DJ Calvin Harris and live race-day performances by Tyson O’Brien and Xandra Pohl will make every moment at the Carousel Club an unforgettable celebration. Be ready for an unparalleled experience that surpasses the ordinary and leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Baccarat has also been chosen as the Official Trophy Purveyor for the trophies of the upcoming 2024 Pegasus World Cup championship. They’ll be crafted in the form of rearing Pegase (“Pegasus” in French) Horses from crystals of unparalleled purity. Their height reportedly going to be over twenty inches high.
Rewards
The 2024 Pegasus World Cup Presented by Baccarat will showcase three races: the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational (G1) with a prize of $3 million, the Pegasus World Cup Championship Turf Invitational (G1) with a prize of $1 million, and the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G3) with a prize of $500,000.
The trophies will symbolize the time-honored dedication to craftsmanship that Baccarat shares with the sport of horse racing. The Pegasus World Cup Invitational winner will be presented with the limited-production Pegase Horse in Black, while the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational winner will receive the Pegase Horse in Clear. They’re valued at $47,000 and $39,000, respectively.
The History of the Pegasus World Cup
The Pegasus World Cup has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on the horse racing calendar. It was first introduced to the world of horse racing in 2017 by Frank Stronach, founder of the Stronach Group and a prominent figure in the horse racing industry.
The race was different from other races for many races. On top of all, it had a purse of $12 million in its inaugural year, the highest in the world at that time. This global record quickly grabbed the attention of the horse racing community and global audience.
It’s not just the lucrative prize that sets it apart from other races. It’s also renowned for its innovative format. Unlike many traditional races, it doesn’t penalize horses based on additional weight, leading to a more level field and a higher degree of competition.
Over the years, the race has evolved in structure and format. From 2017 to 2019, a significant entry fee was required, creating a high-stakes, winner-takes-all dynamic that added excitement and tension to the event.
However, in 2020, the race underwent a notable change, eliminating the entry fee and splitting the premier race into two distinct categories: the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes and the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes. Then, recently, they added Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Pegasus World Cup is a must-see for any horse racing fan. It promises to be an incredible event that will bring together the excitement of competition, the thrill of victory, and the spectacle of world-class horse racing. Nonetheless, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest news to fully enjoy the racing experience and make informed betting decisions.
Photo Credit:YeniVance Pixabay
