Headline Performances by Empire of The Sun and Two Friends
Skippylongstocking Wins $3 Million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (GI)
Test Score Wins $1 Million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (GI)
Destino D’Oro Wins $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2)
Record $48.5 Million Wagered on the 2026 Pegasus World Cup
1/ST‘s 2026 Pegasus World Cup returned to Gulfstream Park on Saturday, January 24, marking a decade as one of the most influential events in Thoroughbred racing. The milestone edition unfolded before a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 guests, blending elite competition, elevated hospitality, and live entertainment to deliver a signature Pegasus World Cup experience that continues to redefine the sport. Nationally broadcast and distributed worldwide, the event once again drew A-list celebrities, cultural tastemakers, and racing fans alike, highlighting its place as a defining fixture on the international racing calendar.
The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational (GI) was won by Skippylongstocking, owned by Daniel Alonso, trained by Saffie A. Joseph,Jr. and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione. Belinda Stronach, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST, presented the winning connections with the Baccarat Pegase Horse in Black, valued at $57,000, along with the signature championship rings. The $1 million Pegasus World Cup Championship Turf Invitational (GI) was claimed by Test Score, owned by Amerman Racing LLC, trained by H. Graham Motion and ridden by Manuel Franco and awarded with the Baccarat Pegase Horse in Clear, valued at $50,000. The $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (GII) was won by Destino D’Oro, owned by Steve Landers Racing LLC, trained by Brad Cox, and ridden by Jose Alvarado. Winning connections toasted their victories with Champagne Pommery.
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup race day set a $48.5 million record handle, surpassing the previous 2024 record of $47 million. In total, 164 horses competed in the 13-race card for more than $5.8 million in purses including multiple graded stakes winners, international contenders, and championship-level runners.
“The 10th anniversary Pegasus World Cup was celebrated in true South Florida style and lived up to its reputation as horse racing’s hottest party! What began a decade ago as a bold idea has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in horse racing, uniting world-class sport with entertainment, hospitality, and culture. The undeniable success of this milestone reflects the dedication of our partners, horsemen and women, sponsors, and fans, and for that we are truly grateful,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST.
Celebrities and notable attendees included Mark Wahlberg, Kevin O’Leary, Braxton Berrios, Offset, Taja Abitbol, Larsa Pippen, David Grutman, Isabela Grutman, Frank Walker, Nicole Walker, Andre Sakhai, Griffin Johnson, Myles Shear, Ashley Taylor Arguello, Kiki Barth, Hannah Selleck, Carlita, Brittany Leah Peltz and more.
Influencers and content creators included Dale Moss, Jesse Solomon, Myles O’Neal, Ana Wolfermann, Silvana Mojica, Micah Lussier, Jimmy Presnell, Kelley Flanagan, Kelsey Rose, Victor Smalley, Xandra Pohl, Montana and Ryan Kaoud, Paris Hilinski, Oliver Trevena, and Macy Broyles.
Reimagined for the 10th anniversary, the Flamingo Room served as the ultimate VIP experience, featuring cuisine curated by Groot Hospitality concepts Gekkō, Komodo, Papi Steak, and Casadonna, sweeping track views, live performances by Brian Newman, and an exclusive post-race DJ and vocal set by Empire of the Sun, who performed their hit, Walking on a Dream. Select VIP guests enjoyed Cartier Champagne, the luxury jeweler’s exclusive sparkling wine. The day also featured a private hospitality experience for select suites courtesy of Spicy Hospitality Group’s YASU Omakase and The Joyce. Merrill Lynch welcomed guests to a dedicated Flamingo Room section, featuring exclusive dining, prime finish-line views, and white-glove hospitality. 1/ST’s in-house mixologist created the signature Pegasus Paloma, made with Don Julio Tequila, lime, agave, and Fever-Tree Grapefruit soda, as well as the signature Dos Cupolas cocktail, made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, fresh mint, coconut water, and lime, for a South Florida twist on the iconic Mint Julep.
Groot Hospitality together with Palm Tree Crew brought a distinctly Miami flair to the Pegasus Fan Zone in the Carousel Club, curating an unforgettable experience filled with top-tier entertainment, celebrity guests, hospitality, trackside dining from Groot Hospitality, and race-day performances headlined by Two Friends with sets by Ruckus and Rae Sada. Adjacent to the Pegasus Fan Zone, the Carousel Club VIP Garden delivered on-the-rail homestretch views paired with premium food and beverage offerings also by Groot Hospitality.
The milestone celebration was formally recognized with proclamations from Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper and Aventura Mayor Howard Weinberg, underscoring the Pegasus World Cup’s cultural and economic impact on South Florida.
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup was supported by an extensive roster of premier partners spanning luxury, spirits, lifestyle, and global brands. Anheuser-Busch activated on-site with a custom Airstream from Stella Artois and NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, and Don Julio 70® Cristalino Tequila featured bespoke ice sculptures that served its premier tequila. Brown-Forman came in as a first-time partner with Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey activations, including a special presentation of a rare Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition bottle. CELSIUS® Energy Drinks energized the Pegasus Fan Zone, and Champagne Pommery activated a champagne toast for winning connections. Visit Lauderdale returned as the official tourism partner. Baccarat returned as the official trophy purveyor for the championship races. Other sponsors included Pepsi, Delta SkyMiles, La Flor Dominicana Cigars, leading Thoroughbred breeders and owners Coolmore, Lane’s End, and Spendthrift Farm, and industry and wagering partners Daily Racing Form, Prevagen, 1/ST BET, and MyRacehorse.
Following race day the celebration continued at Miami’s iconic LIV Nightclub for the official Pegasus World Cup after-party headlined by Frank Walker and ARTY.
The event was broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock, with full-day coverage on FanDuel TV and global distribution via HBA Media. The 2026 Pegasus World Cup reached audiences in more than 150 territories worldwide.
As the Pegasus World Cup closes its tenth chapter, the 2026 edition affirmed its legacy as horse racing’s most dynamic intersection of elite competition, luxury hospitality, and global culture.
Follow Pegasus World Cup at www.pegasusworldcup.com or on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X @PegasusWorldCup.