Welcome to Pegasus World Cup 2022 where the horses run and the party runneth over. The yearly event is a Thoroughbred horse race open to horses aged four years and older and takes place in sunny Hallandale Florida at Gulfstream Park. The winner of the race earns a $3 million (£ 2.2m) prize. It is named after the horse of Greek origin of which a statue stands outside Gulfstream Park which sets the perfect vibe for watching racing and experiencing what Florida has to offer on a regular day so it’s no wonder Pegasus has become one of the most sought after events to attend over the years as it’s more than just a stakes race, it’s an experience.”Our goal for Pegasus World Cup is always to produce a race day experience where guests can expect the unexpected,” said Jimmy Vargas, CEO of 1/ST Experience, in a prepared statement. “This year, the Pegasus World Cup is all about firsts. It will be the first time DJ Cassidy brings ‘Pass the Mic,’ his viral sensation, live to a stage. It will also be the first time we open Carousel Club before it becomes a permanent fixture at Gulfstream Park. It will also be the first time Faena brings Tryst, their immersive burlesque show, out of the Faena Theater and to Gulfstream Park to entertain guests between the races.”
Let’s talk some racing highlights.
What a day for jockey Irad Ortiz who not only took Life Is Good across the wire for the win in the 3 million dollar World Cup race but also won the million dollar Turf Invitational on Colonel Liam to boot!
Other exciting wins of the day included Colonel Liam, owned by Robert E. Low & Lawana L. Low, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Todd Pletcher. Colonel Liam won the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1), who also became the first-ever two-time champion of a Pegasus World Cup championship race. The third winner of the day was Regal Glory, who is owned by Peter Brant, trained by Todd Brown and ridden by Jose Ortiz, who won the inaugural running of the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G3) presented by Pepsi.Winning owners, trainers and jockeys from all three championship races received Pegasus World Cup Championship Rings, which were designed by celebrity Miami jeweler, BooDaddy Diamonds.
The Entertainment
The event itself provided a plethora of entertainment popups from night club parties, burlesque shows, popular djs and award winning dining. Gulfstream Park also unveiled Hallandale’s newest hospitality hotspot, the Carousel Club, where DJ Cassidy brought his critically acclaimed groundbreaking series ‘Pass the Mic’ to the stage for the very first time. Ja Rule, Lil’ Kim, and Mase took the stage. And like always, The Pegasus World Cup brought together an impressive crowd of celebrities and notable guests. This year’s attendees included Nicole Scherzinger, Ashlee Simpson, Evan Ross, Lil’ Kim, Ja Rule, Jadakiss, El DeBarge, DJ D-Nice, DJ Cassidy, Mase, Jadakiss, Swae Lee, Scott Perry, Dave Portnoy, Davon Godchaux, River Viiperi, Marysol Patton, Alexia Echevarria, Mayor Michael Udine, Mayor Joy Cooper, Nicole Walker, Frank Walker and Brian Poli-Dixon.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance & Centennial Farms
In addition to the event Pegasus World Cup’s charity partner the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance joined Centennial Farms to select the horse in each race that was deemed to be the best presented, and that horse’s groom received a gift bag and cash prize. The TAA and Centennial Farms promoted the winners on their social media platforms, the winning groom was mentioned on the live simulcast feed, and a congratulatory ad was placed in both the Thoroughbred Daily News and BloodHorse Daily on Monday, Jan 31, 2022. “There is nothing more gratifying than to award the unsung heroes who take care of our beloved Thoroughbred athletes,” TAA Inspection Coordinator Suzie Picou-Oldham said. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was thrilled to once again partner with 1/ST and Centennial Farms to celebrate our hardworking men and women of the backside.”
ALL BLACK AND WHITE IMAGES taken by RAPHAEL MACEK
others provided by Eclipse wire
