Pegasus World Cup races to see major format changes in 2020

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The Stronach Group on Sunday announced major changes to its Pegasus World Cup Championship format including purse reductions and a medication-free format on race day for both the Pegasus World Cup and Pegasus World Cup Turf.

The Pegasus World Cup program will be run at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 25.

The purse for the World Cup has been reduced from $9 million in 2019 to $3 million, while the World Cup Turf has been slashed from $7 million for its inaugural running earlier this year to just $1 million in 2020. All entry fees for the two races, which ran as high as $1 million per slot for the first two renewals of the Pegasus World Cup, have been waived. Entries for both races will be by invitation only.

Instituting the medication-free format on race day essentially translates to no Lasix, which the Stronach Group says is “consistent with the international Federation of Horse Racing Authorities standards.” In addition, two percent of the purse winnings from the two races will be donated to Thoroughbred aftercare.

“The Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series is evolving towards a single goal, to provide a level of safety deserving of every horse and rider, reflecting the new standard of care, on race day and beyond, while providing a lucrative opportunity for horse owners,” said Craig Fravel, chief executive officer of racing for the Stronach Group.

The 2020 renewal of the World Cup will be the fourth in the event's history. Arrogate, Gun Runner, and City of Light make up its roster of winners. Bricks and Mortar, among the favorites for Horse of the Year honors in 2019, won the inaugural Pegasus Turf in January.

Trainer Todd Pletcher, who is strongly considering running Channel Cat in the Turf, had the following comments when asked to discuss the changes to the World Cup format.

“In some ways it’s more owner friendly, more attractive, structured this way as an invitational with no fees,” said Pletcher. In the past there was such a significant payment necessary to get into the race, which was favorable if you had a Gun Runner or Arrogate, but not if you were taking a shot with one.”

Pletcher also addressed the event's new policy prohibiting Lasix.

“That’s the direction the industry is heading,” said Pletcher. “In that regard, it will be interesting to see how it plays out, how it will affect entries, since it’s something we’re going to be seeing more and more of.”