The world’s richest horse race returned to Gulfstream Park on January 26, 2019. Twelve thoroughbred horses competed for a chance at the 16-million-dollar purse prize. The Pegasus World Cup Invitational kicked off on the blue carpet where we had a chance to catch up with the night’s socialites. Plaid blazers, funky hats and all, everyone in the Miami scene was ready to place their bets, eat great food and listen to the night’s performers, Oscar-nominated producer and DJ, Mark Ronson, and award-winning rapper, Snoop Dogg.
We had the pleasure of briefly chatting with Belinda Stronach, the woman behind Pegasus (the Chairman and President of the Stronach Group), and we asked her to share with us her intentions to modernize the sport.
“I feel that horse racing is the last great sporting legacy platform that is not yet modernized, so by establishing the Pegasus World Cup, year three, we brought the best of sports racing, from around the world (Japan, Mexico, Ireland, Canada) and we’ve combined it with an enhanced entertainment experience, so its great entertainment, innovation, great sport racing, and we feel that it’s a great combination.”
Next, we met up with Mark Ronson, recent Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee. When asked why he decided to join the event, he replied,
“You know, horseraces in the summer are a big part of England, you know, I grew up there in the Summer. It’s fun, everybody is dressed up, you get to wear a nice hat and watch Snoop Dogg.”
Since we had him there with us, we had to ask him about his music. Is he moving on to making music for visual media only? What should we expect from him next?
“I feel as a musician and a producer, I still have something to say, and making music is still my priority. I’m just finishing my album now, it’s got some amazing people on it, Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus, and more, so you know, that’s coming up soon.”
And finally, Snoop Dogg.
“I am so excited to see what Pegasus really is, you know I’ve heard so much about it, this is my first time and I’m looking forward to today. The performance tonight is going to be really fun, we are gonna be playing a little bit of everything.”
After the blue carpet, the day continued and transformed into a dining experience. Inside the Flamingo Room, Swan & Bar Bevy prepared for us some of their signature dishes, like their amazing Seared Scallops, their version of a Caesar Salad and their famous Corn Corn Corn.
People dinned, smooshed and placed their bets, and at the end of the day, through rain and mud, City of Light (horse number three), ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, won the 9-million-dollar prize. Accelerate didn’t make it easy for him, but City of Light still prevailed. Second place was surprisingly taken by Seeking the Soul and not Accelerate, who went home in third place. City of Light is the Pegasus World Cup 2019 champion, never finishing lower than third place in its career, scoring wins in Triple Bend Stakes, Malibu Stakes and the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile, City of Light retires after it’s Pegasus win. The other 7 million was taken home by Bricks and Mortar, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., who earned them by winning the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational.
The day ended, but the night and the celebration started inside the LIV Stretch Village with Mark Ronson’s versions of “Uptown Funk,” “Valerie” and, of course, his Oscar-nominated song, “Shallow.” The entertainment continued with Snoop Dogg and some of his classics like, “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “All I Do Is Win,” and “P.I.M.P.” The most unexpected and yet perfect way to end an exciting day of horseracing.
If you were left wanting more, check out our Instagram’s Pegasus World Cup Highlights. Hopefully, it will hold you up ‘til next year.
Photo Gallery: Tracy Destin, World Red Eye. Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for The Stronach Group