Skippylongstocking’s Stunning Victory
In a stunning turn of events at Gulfstream Park, Skippylongstocking conquered the $3 million Pegasus World Cup, interrupting White Abarrio‘s quest for back-to-back victories. This year’s race saw the underdog Skippylongstocking, who previously struggled in previous Pegasus races, rise to the occasion. Delivering an impressive performance at 21-1 odds, Skippylongstocking surged in the stretch to claim the victory by leaving White Abarrio in his wake.
Following a challenging year for both horses — with White Abarrio, last year’s champion, scratching from the Breeders’ Cup after taking a long break from racing — there were high expectations for his performance. However, it was Skippylongstocking’s day to shine, as he paid $45.20 for a win, $14.20 for place, and $7.20 for show, ultimately reflecting a pivotal moment in trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.‘s career.
Trainer and Jockey Reactions
Joseph experienced mixed feelings after the race, expressing both pride in White Abarrio’s efforts and joy for Skippylongstocking’s breakthrough.
“He deserves it,”
Joseph remarked, fighting back tears as he celebrated his inaugural Pegasus victory. Skippylongstocking’s win not only marked his first in the Pegasus but also brought his lifetime earnings to nearly $5.5 million following his 13th win in 36 career races.
Jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who has participated in all ten editions of the Pegasus World Cup without a win until now, emphasized the optimistic guidance he received from Joseph before the race.
“Saffie told me to ride with a lot of confidence,”
Gaffalione noted. The betting odds for White Abarrio closed at $6.60 and $4.60 while Full Serrano, who took third, yielded $6.40 to those backing him.
Pegasus Day Highlights
Pegasus Day at Gulfstream is no ordinary racing event, consisting of ten stakes races amounting to a grand total of $5.675 million in purses. It attracts attention from celebrities and racing aficionados alike, with actor Mark Wahlberg delivering the iconic “Riders up!” call prior to the races, while also promoting his beloved New England Patriots ahead of their imminent Super Bowl clash against the Denver Broncos.
Other Notable Competitions
Outside of the principal race, the day also featured other notable competitions. In the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf, trainer Graham Motion celebrated a fantastic outcome, with his horses Test Score and One Stripe finishing first and second respectively. Test Score, under the guidance of Manuel Franco, sealed the race with payouts of $17.20, $7.40, and $5.40, showcasing a stellar performance against competitors like Almendares, who finished third.
Meanwhile, in the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational, an unexpected outcome arose with Destino d’Oro emerging victorious at 15-1 odds. Ridden by Junior Alvarado and trained by Brad Cox, Destino d’Oro overcame the competition, finishing ahead of the long-shot Crevalle d’Oro for a triumphant payout of $33.20. Overall, the day was filled with excitement, unpredictability, and festive celebrations of racing’s top talent.
