A legendary South Florida horse racing facility set a record for wagering last month.
The 10th anniversary of the Pegasus World Cup Day at the Gulfstream Park on Jan. 24 broke previous records in wagering. The record in betting at the Hollandale Beach facility drew a sold out crowd of more than 10,000 people.
The thoroughbred racing event led to more gambling on the event than ever before. There was $48.5 million laid down on bets that day. That soared past the previous record of $41.7 million. That mark, which was also a record at the time, was set last year.
The top race alone drew $7 million in wagering, according to a news release published by the facility.
“Gulfstream Park-based trainer Saffie A. Joseph, Jr., also made headlines, as he had a first-place horse — Skippylongstocking with jockey Tyler Gaffalione — and a second-place horse in the $3 million feature race. In addition to being a well-respected figure in the thoroughbred training industry, Saffie serves on the board of directors for the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association,” the news release said.
In addition to the horse racing and wagering, the Pegasus World Cup Day drew an audience form across the nation and the world. It also had a cultural reach well beyond South Florida.
Officials say the event was broadcast in more than 150 territories and countries worldwide.
