The Pegasus World Cup will join the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” program for the Classic beginning in 2026
- Turf Diario
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The late-January race at Gulfstream Park will become part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series starting next season
The Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) will take a major step forward on the global calendar in 2026, joining the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), as announced jointly by Breeders’ Cup Limited and 1/ST. The $3-million event, set for January 24 at Gulfstream Park, will now award an automatic berth into the Classic—along with all associated financial benefits.
The Challenge Series spans 94 races in 15 countries, each offering guaranteed berths and fully paid fees for winners across the divisions of the World Championships. For the Pegasus, the victor will earn pre-entry and entry fees valued at $150,000, plus a $10,000 award to the winning horse’s nominator. Standard perks for automatic qualifiers also apply: $10,000 in travel assistance for U.S.-based winners outside Kentucky, and $40,000 for international winners.
The Pegasus’ inclusion feels like a natural progression. Since its launch in 2017, the race has become a magnet for top-class talent, blending luxury, global television exposure, and the participation of high-profile owners. Six of its nine winners have also captured a Breeders’ Cup race during their careers—a statistic that underscores the synergy between the two events, as noted by Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited.
“It is a world-class event that now becomes part of an elite pathway to the Classic,” Fleming said.
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, highlighted the broad scope of the partnership, describing the 10th edition of the Pegasus as
“a true bridge to the Breeders’ Cup Classic,”connecting audiences, stakeholders, and fans worldwide under a broader and more cohesive framework.
The 2026 Pegasus will once again serve as one of the most influential fixtures of the American winter season, combining top-tier racing, entertainment, and live coverage on NBC and Peacock from 4:30 to 6 p.m. ET. With its new incentive, the race is expected to attract an even deeper and more competitive field, strengthening its position within the international ecosystem.
The road to Keeneland 2026 now has a new gatekeeper: winning at Gulfstream will deliver not only prestige and significant purse money, but also a direct ticket to racing’s biggest autumn stage.
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