The Pegasus World Cup is back at Gulfstream Park: Here’s how it will be different
The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational is on, but like most events in the pandemic era, the vibe will be a little different.
This year’s festivities take place Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m. at Gulfstream Park. And one thing is for sure, you can expect good food.
A main draw (beside the horses) is the Pegasus Swan Garden, a Tulum inspired trackside pop-up with food curated by David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality. Noshes will come from all the nightlife entrepreneur’s venues including Swan, Komodo and Papi Steak as well as a preview of the soon-to-open concepts Winkers, SFC, and Toothfairy at the old Fireside station in Miami Beach. Reservations for tables, which will be duly spaced out, are a must by emailing pegasus@groothq.com.
Strict health and safety protocols mean the world’s richest race will feel a little emptier this go-around: No more packed crowds mingling inside tents, jockeying to get a glimpse of
Snoop Dogg, Ludacris or Post Malone, who have graced us with their presence in years past. Rappers Nelly and T-Pain were the entertainment last year for one of South Florida’s biggest spectacles, before the world shut down roughly a month later.
On-premise attendance has been reduced to 15 percent to allow all guests to socially distance accordingly.
You know the drill by now: Temperature checks at the door, and masks are required at all times, unless when eating or drinking. All public spaces will be regularly sanitized and cashless wagering eliminates handling of currency.
“While the 2021 Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series will be different from those that have come before it, we remain committed to delivering a day of world-class thoroughbred horse racing and premium hospitality,” said Jimmy Vargas, Executive Vice President of Pegasus event organizing company 1/ST LIVE. “COVID-19 has given us the opportunity to reimagine the race day guest experience with limited, socially distanced ticket offerings that will allow our guests to enjoy the day in comfort and safety.”
Beside all that, it will be, um, usual.
If you’re the wagering type, 5-year-old Knicks Go was placed Wednesday as the 5-2 morningline favorite.
“We’re going to do the best we can with him,” trainer Brad Cox told the Miami Herald. “And we’re optimistic that he’s going to show up and run a big race.”
PEGASUS WORLD CUP
horse play as
When: noon to 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Gulfstream Park, 901 S Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach
Cost: Tickets from $100 for just the race; $450 for dining
www.pegasusworldcup.com; 954-454-7000