The fourth edition of the Pegasus World and the second running of the Pegasus World Cup Turf set for Jan. 25, 2020 will be much different than its previous runnings.
The two races will have a medication free format, will have reductions in purse money but will also return two percent of purse winnings to Thoroughbred aftercare.
The Stronach Group, owners of the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series, announced the changes this past week.
The Pegasus World Cup, inaugurated in 2017 and with a purse of $12 million for its inaugural running, surpassed the Dubai World Cup as the richest horse race in the world. The purse of the event rose to $16 million in 2018, but dropped to $9 million in 2019. The 2020 edition will have a purse of $3 million.
The entry fee structure has also changed over time, from $1 million in 2017 and 2018, to $500,000 in 2019 to free in 2020.
The Pegasus World Cup Turf had its first running in 2019 in January and had a purse of $7 million but it will be worth $1 million in 2020.
“We are investing in the future of our sport by creating new opportunities for horsemen and horses to run without medication,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairman and President, The Stronach Group. “The Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series has always been about innovation. The new and exciting medication-free format, along with giving back to horse care, showcases the leadership our industry is taking together to evolve beyond past achievements to create a more modern, sustainable and safer sport.”
“The Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series is evolving toward a single goal – to provide a level of safety deserving of every horse and every rider, reflecting the new standard of care, on race day and beyond, while providing a lucrative opportunity for horse owners.” said Craig Fravel, Chief Executive Officer, Racing, The Stronach Group.
Dr. Dionne Benson, CHief Veterinary officer of The Stronach Group said, “Running the Pegasus World Cup Invitational and the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational medication-free is a stepping stone to what will be the eventual phase out of the use of race day medications for all graded stakes races by 2021 and puts this event squarely in line with the changing culture of our sport,” said Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer, The Stronach Group. “The health and safety of our athletes, equine and human, are our top priority.”
Dr. Benson will be overseeing the Pegasus World Cup race day with an expanded team of veterinarians to monitor all horses, including those entered on the undercard races, in the barns, during training and on race day. The house rules at Gulfstream Park, are consistent with IFHA standards and reflect the rules in place at other Stronach Group properties, including Santa Anita Park. In addition to stringent out-of-competition testing and enhanced medication protocols, including a 14-day stand down on intra articular injections and a 48-hour stand down of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory injections, the complete transparency of veterinary records for the 14-day period leading up to the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series races will be required for all horses.
The 2020 Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series will offer a world-class level of safety and care for horses and riders along with a unique and fully engaging experience for our fans and guests at the race track and online. Since it was launched in 2017, the Pegasus World Cup has become one of the most anticipated events on the racing calendar. It has captured the attention of the racing industry, celebrities and fans from around the world and has featured some of the finest international and domestic runners, including Arrogate (2017 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Champion), Gun Runner (2018 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Champion), City of Light (2019 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Champion) and Bricks and Mortar (inaugural 2019 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Champion).
For a third year, the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series will partner with Groot Hospitality, owners of the world famous LIV Nightclub, to offer a one-of-a-kind trackside party, the Pegasus LIV Stretch, featuring top tier entertainment, unique food and beverage concessions and the ultimate race day views. Past performers at the Pegasus LIV Stretch include Snopp Dogg and Mark Ronson (2019), and Post Malone, Ludacris and Jermaine Dupri (2018).
The 2020 Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series will be broadcast live on NBC from 4:30-6:00pm EST on Saturday, January 25th.
The website Horse Racing Nation has a current list of possible starters. Top 3-year-olds of 2019, OMAHA BEACH and MAXIMUM SECURITY are on the list.
Horse >> Trainer
War Story >> E. Dobles
Higher Power >> J. Sadler
Tom’s d’Etat >> A. Stall, Jr.
Gronkowski >> S. Ghadayer
Tax >> D. Gargan
Master Fencer >> K. Tsunoda
Bravazo >> D. Lukas
Omaha Beach >> R. Mandella
Maximum Security >> J. Servis
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