One of the most exciting weekends of the season has wrapped and was quite a success.

The 2022 Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park brought together thoroughbred horse racing, world-class hospitality, entertainment and celebrities.

Irad Ortiz Jr.

With horse racing at the forefront of the event, Life Is Good, owned by CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm LLC, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Todd Pletcher, won the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1).

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The trophy was presented by Belinda Stronach, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, 1/ST and Jim Shreve, Chief Executive Officer, Baccarat.

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.

Alongside all the fun on the track, much fun and celebration was held throughout the facilities at Gulfstream Park. The weekend unveiled the venue’s newest hospitality venture, the Carousel Club. E11EVEN Miami partnered with Breakwater Hospitality Group, where the new Carousel Club hosted a variety of VIPs throughout the day. DJ Cassidy’s ‘Pass the Mic’ performance was also brought to life in the Carousel Club, with other musical performances and entertainment for the day from Ja Rule, Lil’ Kim, Mase and surprise performers, El DeBarge and Jadakiss.

DJ Cassidy, El DeBarge and Ja Rule

The event’s classic Flamingo Room was back in action this year, in collaboration with Faena Live. Burlesque queen, Ariana Savalas enamored the audience with Faena's immersive cabaret, Tryst. Food in the Flamingo Room was spearheaded by famed The h.wood Group’s Delilah, serving all their delicious American fare offerings.

With new additions at the event and an amazing crowd, many achievements were hit throughout the day including a record-setting handle with over $43.8 million wagered on the 12-race program. This was an 8% increase from 2021 and surpassed the 2020 record of $41.8 million.

Silvana Mojica and David Portnoy

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.

After an exciting weekend of sports, entertainment and hospitality, The 2022 Pegasus World Cup Invitational was an unforgettable event. With exciting milestones both on and off the track, the South Florida community is already counting down until next year’s celebrations.