Pegasus World Cup adds turf race, splits $16 million purse

The Stronach Group, owners of the Pegasus World Cup, announced Tuesday a new element for one of the premier dates on the Thoroughbred calendar. The 2019 Pegasus World Cup, to be held on January 26, will add a Grade 1 turf stakes to this year’s race-day festivities. 

The addition of the turf race, which will be run at 1 3/16 miles, aims to showcase 12 of the best older turf horses from around the world turning the $16 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational into a two-race event

The total purse for the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational will sit at $7 million, with $3 million awarded to the winner. The Pegasus World Cup Invitational, to be contested on the dirt at 1 1/8 miles, will offer a $9 million purse with a $4 million prize waiting for the winner of the 12-horse field. 

The 2018 Pegasus World Cup won by Horse of the Year Gun Runner ran for the full $16 million.

“The appetite for a turf race is strong and the decision to include a premier turf race is part of the ongoing evolution of the Pegasus World Cup,” said Belinda Stronach, chairman and president of The Stronach Group. “We are excited to expand this event for both horse owners and fans, adding to what is already an incredible day of entertainment and world-class racing at Gulfstream Park.”

Any horse owner who purchases a spot in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational will be given preference to purchase a spot in the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational. The cost to secure an entry spot and enter a horse is $500,000 per race.  

“As an international owner I am thrilled that the Pegasus World Cup will include a turf race,” said John Magnier, Founder, Coolmore. “Coolmore, like The Stronach Group, believes in growing our sport and there is no better way to do that than to provide a new platform to showcase the world’s best Thoroughbreds.”  

As an added incentive and as part of the commitment to provide new, lucrative opportunities for horse owners, The Stronach Group will offer a $1 million bonus to the owner who wins both the Pegasus World Cup Invitational and the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational. 

The Stronach Group will also introduce a new wager, the Pegasus Pick 24.  The Pegasus Pick 24 will offer up the chance to bet on the exact finish order for both the Pegasus World Cup Invitational and the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational, adding another layer to the race-day excitement. A $5 million bonus awaits the lucky fan who hits on the Pegasus Pick 24. 

In addition to Gun Runner's 2018 Pegasus World Cup victory, Arrogate won the inaugural event in 2017.

Tickets for the 2019 Pegasus World Cup will be available at www.pegasusworldcup.com starting October 1.