No Longer a Buy-In Race, Pegasus World Cup to be Medication Free in 2020

[Wandering Eyes]

All horses racing in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational and GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational next January at Gulfstream Park will run medication free, The Stronach Group announced Sunday. The World Cup, which will be run for the fourth time Jan. 25, will be worth $3 million–down from its $9-million purse in 2019 when owners purchased berths into the race–and the second running of the Turf Invitational will be worth $1 million. In addition, 2% of the purse winnings from both races will go to Thoroughbred aftercare.

“We are investing in the future of our sport by creating new opportunities for horsemen and horses to run without medication,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairman and President, The Stronach Group. “The Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series has always been about innovation. The new and exciting medication-free format, along with giving back to horse care, showcases the leadership our industry is taking together to evolve beyond past achievements to create a more modern, sustainable and safer sport.”

Craig Fravel, Chief Executive Officer, Racing, The Stronach Group, added, “The Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series is evolving toward a single goal–to provide a level of safety deserving of every horse and every rider, reflecting the new standard of care, on race day and beyond, while providing a lucrative opportunity for horse owners.”

The World Cup was originally created as a buy-in race, with owners purchasing slots in the race to bolster the event’s heady purse. In 2020, all entry fees for the two races will be waived and the $4-million total purse contribution is entirely provided by The Stronach Group.

The races’ new medication-free format is consistent with the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) standards.

“Running the Pegasus World Cup Invitational and the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational medication-free is a stepping stone to what will be the eventual phase-out of the use of race day medications for all graded stakes races by 2021 and puts this event squarely in line with the changing culture of our sport,” said Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer, The Stronach Group. “The health and safety of our athletes, equine and human, are our top priority.”

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