Big crowds, cameras clicking, music and lots of excitement with ladies and gents dressed to the nines.
Big time horses, owners, trainers and jockeys.
There was something in the air that signaled that South Florida was going to witness something special.
At the end of the day, Gulfstream Park set an all-time handle record of $40.2 million Saturday on its 12-race program which was highlighted by the inaugural running of the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational.
The concerted effort of both Gulfstream’s entire staff and the horsemen at all levels helped to put on one of the best shows in Florida racing history.
FHBPA President Bill White stated, “The entire day and the races far exceeded anything that could have been expected. The Stronach Group should be recognized and given credit for this visionary concept. The FHBPA is proud to have supported this endeavor by being a small part in helping to make it happen.The Stronach group and Mr. Stronach in particular should be recognized and given credit for taking a risk and thinking outside the box. These are the types of innovations that are needed to make horse racing relevant again,” White concluded, “We hope that The Pegasus Cup becomes a permanent fixture in the future of the South Florida racing landscape.”