HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. — White Avario’s attempt to become the first horse to secure back-to-back victories at the $3 million Pegasus World Cup has come up short.
Trainer Safi Joseph Jr.’s hopes for a repeat win were dashed on Saturday, while jockey Tyler Gaffalione finally earned his first Pegasus victory. Skippy Longstocking surged down the stretch to edge out White Avario and claim the prestigious Gulfstream Park event. This marked Skippy Longstocking’s fourth Pegasus start; he previously finished seventh in 2023, did not complete the race in 2024, and placed third last year.
Starting at 21-to-1 odds, Skippy Longstocking swept to victory, paying out $45.20, $14.20, and $7.20. Overcome with emotion after the race, Joseph praised both horses, saying, “He deserves it. But I’m just proud of the way White Avario ran… Don’t take anything away from Skippy. Today was his day to deliver.”
The result was bittersweet for Joseph, whose 7-year-old White Avario—last year’s Pegasus winner who missed recent races due to an injury sustained at the Breeders’ Cup—was favored by many. Yet few expected Skippy Longstocking to cross the finish line first.
“Everything went according to plan,” Joseph noted.
White Avario led entering the stretch with seemingly ample space, but Skippy Longstocking closed in to overtake him. This victory marked the 13th career win in Skippy Longstocking’s 36 races, boosting his career earnings by around 50% to nearly $5.5 million.
Gaffalione, who has competed in every Pegasus World Cup edition, finally broke through with his first win. “Saffie told me to ride with confidence,” said the jockey.
White Avario paid $6.60 and $4.60, while Furserano, who finished third, returned $6.40.
The Pegasus World Cup Day at Gulfstream Park is a marquee event featuring 10 stakes races—seven graded—and boasting purse money totaling $5.675 million. It is the one day in the Gulfstream racing calendar when fans pay admission, with some paying significant amounts. The event attracts celebrities, including actor and producer Mark Wahlberg, who energized the crowd with his signature “Riders Up!” call while rallying support for the New England Patriots ahead of their upcoming Super Bowl clash.
In other notable results, trainer Graham Motion’s Test Score and One Stripe finished first and second in the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf over 1 1/8 miles. Test Score, ridden by Manuel Franco, paid $17.20, $7.40, and $5.40. Longshot Almendarez placed third at 37-1 odds. Despite being favored early, Program Trading finished fifth.
Destino d’Oro claimed the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Mares and Turf Invitational, finishing ahead of Crevalle d’Oro with trainer Brad Cox’s charge ridden by Junior Alvarado. The winner returned $33.20, $14.40, and $10.20, while Crevalle d’Oro paid $26.40 and $15.40. Movin On Up took third place, paying $6.60. Notably, a successful exotic bet involving Exita, Crevalle d’Oro, and Dession d’oro delivered a massive payout of $281.80 on a $1 wager.
Fan Take: This year’s Pegasus World Cup showcased the unpredictability and thrill that make horse racing so captivating, with underdog Skippy Longstocking defying expectations to claim a historic victory. For fans and the sport alike, these results highlight the depth of talent and competition, promising an exciting future for elite racing events.
