HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) – White Avario’s attempt to become the first horse to secure consecutive victories at the $3 million Pegasus World Cup ended in defeat.
Trainer Safi Joseph Jr.’s hopes were dashed, but jockey Tyler Gaffalione finally earned a win at Pegasus. Skippy Longstocking surged down the stretch to overtake White Avario in the Grade 1 Pegasus held on Saturday, capturing Gulfstream Park’s richest race. Skippy Longstocking, now a three-time Pegasus participant, had finished seventh in 2023, did not complete the race in 2024, and took third last year.
Competing at 21-1 odds, Skippy Longstocking claimed victory, paying $45.20, $14.20, and $7.20.
“He deserves it,” an emotional Joseph expressed post-race. “But I’m very proud of White Avario’s performance… Don’t take anything away from Skippy. Today was his day.”
Joseph experienced mixed emotions, as White Avario, winner of the 2025 Pegasus who suffered an on-track injury at last year’s Breeders’ Cup and had been sidelined since, was among the favorites. However, few anticipated that the 7-year-old Skippy Longstocking would cross the finish line first.
“Everything went according to plan,” Joseph confirmed.
White Avario took the lead entering the stretch, seemingly with a comfortable margin, until Skippy Longstocking closed in on the inside. The victory marked Skippy Longstocking’s 13th win in 36 career starts, boosting his earnings by roughly 50% to about $5.5 million.
Gaffalione, who has ridden in every Pegasus since its inception, finally broke through with his first win in the event.
“Saffie told me to ride with confidence,” Gaffalione said.
White Avario returned $6.60 and $4.60, while Furserano paid $6.40 for third place.
Pegasus Day at Gulfstream Park is a major event featuring 10 stakes races, including seven graded events, distributing $5.675 million in total prize money. It is the only day in the Gulfstream racing calendar when fans pay admission, with some paying premium prices.
Celebrities throng the venue, with actor and producer Mark Wahlberg delivering his usual “Riders Up!” call prior to the race. He used the moment to encourage the New England Patriots ahead of their upcoming Super Bowl matchup against the Denver Broncos.
“Race fans, this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the 10th edition of the Pegasus World Cup,” Wahlberg said, with Gulfstream Park CEO Belinda Stronach — a longtime supporter of integrating celebrity appeal with horse racing — smiling nearby. “Sports fans around the world and my fellow patriots, all we can do is all we need. Riders, stand up!”
In the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf, trainer Graham Motion secured a one-two finish with Test Score narrowly besting One Stripe in the 1 1/8-mile race. Manuel Franco rode Test Score, who paid $17.20, $7.40, and $5.40, while One Stripe returned $5.80 and $4.80. Almendarez finished third at long odds of 37-1, paying out $14.60.
Program Trading, favored at 6-5 following a massive single-win wager, came up short and finished fifth despite a promising trip.
Destino d’Oro triumphed in the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Mares and Turf Invitational, improving her record to 15 wins against a single loss. She defeated Crevale d’Oro, which holds 70 wins and 1 loss. Junior Alvarado guided the Brad Cox-trained mare from the back of a 12-horse field to a $33.20, $14.40, and $10.20 payoff. Crevalle d’Oro paid $26.40 and $15.40, with Movin On Up finishing third, returning $6.60.
Additionally, a winning combination of The Exita, Crevalle d’Oro, and Dession d’Oro yielded a remarkable $281.80 payout on a $1 wager.
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AP Horse Racing: https://apnews.com/hub/horse-racing
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Fan Take: This thrilling upset at the Pegasus World Cup underscores the unpredictable excitement that keeps horse racing fans on the edge of their seats. Skippy Longstocking’s victory not only shakes up the sport’s elite but also highlights the enduring drama and legacy of this high-stakes event, promising even greater enthusiasm and engagement in years to come.
