Gulfstream Park Unveils Extensive Championship Racing Program with 27 Graded Stakes
Gulfstream Park's upcoming championship meet, set to run from late November 2026 through late March 2027, promises an exhilarating season for Thoroughbred racing enthusiasts. This prestigious event will showcase a comprehensive winter racing calendar, highlighted by 66 stakes races, 27 of which hold graded status. The eagerly anticipated Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational and Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational on January 30, alongside the 76th running of the Florida Derby on March 27, are central to this celebrated gathering.
The championship meet, known for attracting elite horses, trainers, and jockeys, will kick off on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, and extend until March 28. While the final prize money for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational, and Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2) is yet to be disclosed, officials anticipate an announcement shortly. Preparatory races for Pegasus Day are scheduled for December 26, including the $200,000 Fort Lauderdale (G3) and the $150,000 Harlan’s Holiday (G3), among others. The $1 million Florida Derby, a significant qualifier for the Kentucky Derby, will anchor a series of 3-year-old races, with key lead-up events like the Holy Bull (G3) and Fountain of Youth (G2).
The racing schedule also features a robust program for 3-year-old fillies vying for the Kentucky Oaks (G1), with races such as the Forward Gal (G3), Davona Dale (G2), and Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2). Turf racing will be prominently featured throughout the meet, including multiple graded stakes on Pegasus Day, Fountain of Youth Day, and Florida Derby Day, ensuring a diverse and high-stakes competition across various distances and surfaces. The opening day will also introduce two turf stakes for juvenile horses, further enriching the competitive landscape.
This comprehensive and high-stakes racing schedule at Gulfstream Park underscores its commitment to fostering the sport's highest standards. By bringing together the best in Thoroughbred racing, the event offers both seasoned fans and newcomers a thrilling and inspiring spectacle of athletic prowess and competitive spirit, contributing positively to the legacy of horse racing.