By: Charlotte Trattner
Chairwoman, CEO and president of 1/ST Belinda Stronach reflects on the Pegasus World Cup over the years and what to expect during the upcoming race.
What started as a vision to do something differently quickly became North America’s richest horse race. Belinda Stronach, the brains and powerhouse behind the Pegasus World Cup, is a visionary leader currently serving as the chairwoman, CEO and president of 1/ ST. Striving to reinvent the race day experience, we chat with the entrepreneur about what to expect during the 2024 race.
What inspired you to select Miami to host the Pegasus World Cup?
When we founded the Pegasus World Cup in 2017, this was our opportunity to reinvent the race day experience and offer lucrative opportunities for owners to run their three and four-year-old horses in premier championship races. The vibrancy, diversity and energy that is uniquely Miami has been the perfect inspirational backdrop to create an exceptional event that blends entertainment, luxury, fashion, and hospitality with world-class Thoroughbred horse racing like no other.
What can people expect from the 2024 Pegasus World Cup?
Every year, we add new elements to the experience to excite and engage fans. For the first time, our presenting sponsor, Baccarat, will activate an exclusive enclave, Baccarat Garden, at Carousel Club. The race will feature Groot Hospitality restaurant concepts, including Gekkō, Komodo, Papi Steak, Swan and Casadonna, served in the Flamingo Room and Carousel Club. Guests can also expect a collaboration between Palm Tree Crew and Groot Hospitality’s LIV on a reimagined trackside experience at Gulfstream Park’s Carousel Club to curate a unique Miami moment featuring top-tier entertainment, celebrities, VIP hospitality and post-race A-list performances headlined by Grammy award-winner Calvin Harris.
What makes the Pegasus World Cup different from other racing experiences?
1/ST continues redefining the Thoroughbred horse racing experience by collaborating with partners who exemplify innovation and excellence. In addition to Baccarat, Palm Tree Crew and Groot Hospitality, we are proud to partner with Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour Shops, Whispering Angel and Dr. Barbara Sturm. These partners are leaders in luxury, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality whose unique offerings complement 1/ST’s world-class Thoroughbred racing and wagering to create horse racing’s hottest party.
What does the success of the Pegasus World Cup mean to you?
I am proud that we have created a highly engaging, entertainment-driven experience that blends sports, wagering, lifestyle, music, fashion, hospitality and technology with our commitment to the principles of integrity, accountability and constant innovation. The model for the Pegasus World Cup, a model that has been copied in racing jurisdictions around the world, including in Dubai and Australia, is dynamic proof that the future for Thoroughbred racing is as hot as Miami.