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Pegasus World Cup 2026: Skippylongstocking’s Epic Victory

Skippylongstocking triumphed at Pegasus World Cup 2026, while Test Score and Destino d’Oro won Turf and Filly & Mare races.

Por: Karla Sofía Espinoza
PEGASUS WORLD CUP 3026

The 10th edition of the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park delivered a day of high drama, stunning upsets, and unforgettable performances.

The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) saw Skippylongstocking flash to the lead in deep stretch, passing stablemate White Abarrio to secure a thrilling victory for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. and owner Daniel Alonso.

Meanwhile, Test Score and Destino d’Oro claimed victories in the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational and the Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf, respectively, making January 24, 2026, a day to remember in the world of thoroughbred racing.

The win was worth $1,686,000 to Skippylongstocking / Photo @pegasusworldcup

Skippylongstocking’s Redemption: A Champion’s Return

Skippylongstocking, a 7-year-old multimillionaire entire by Exaggerator, entered the Pegasus World Cup as a 21-1 longshot, but his performance was nothing short of heroic. Ridden by Tyler Gaffalione from post 5, Skippylongstocking settled into seventh place around the first turn and up the backstretch, biding his time as the race unfolded.

The early fractions were set at 22.25, 46.08, 1:09.87, and 1:35.54, with White Abarrio, the defending champion, taking the lead coming out of the second turn. It appeared that Irad Ortiz Jr. would guide White Abarrio to a historic repeat victory, but Skippylongstocking had other plans. In a breathtaking display of speed and determination, Skippylongstocking stormed past White Abarrio on the outside, winning by 1 3/4 lengths in a final time of 1:48.49 for the 1 1/8 miles.

Skippylongstocking, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione / Photo @pegasusworldcup

“Watching the races today, we knew it was going to be tough coming from that far back, but he just found another gear today that we hadn’t seen before,” said owner Daniel Alonso. “To beat a champion like White Abarrio, it’s amazing.”

For trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., the victory was especially sweet, as it marked a redemption for Skippylongstocking, who had been facing the prospect of retirement. “It was either he was going to show up or he was going to be retired,” Joseph said. “He showed up, but he did better since . I had all the confidence in him going into this race, but I was so focused on White Abarrio. I’m so proud of White Abarrio. I can’t believe how he ran for the preparation that he had, to come back the way he just did.”

Skippylongstocking returned $45.20, $14.20, and $7.20, while White Abarrio paid $6.60 and $4.60. Full Serrano, Captain Cook, and British Isles rounded out the top five. The win was worth $1,686,000 to Skippylongstocking, bringing his career earnings to $5,461,250 and his record to 36: 13-3-7.

Test Score and One Stripe: A Trainer’s Dream in the Pegasus Turf

The $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) was the first Grade 1 race in America for 2026, and it did not disappoint. Test Score, a homebred son of champion Lookin At Lucky, put together a career year in 2025, culminating in his first Grade 1 victory.

On Saturday, he fended off long shot Almendares in mid-stretch and outlasted late-running stablemate One Stripe by a neck, giving trainer Graham Motion and jockey Manuel Franco their first Pegasus Turf wins.

The winning time over a firm turf course was 1:47.04. Test Score, who faced older horses for the first time, had previously notched three wins, one second, and three thirds from eight starts at 3, including victories in the Belmont Derby Invitational (G1), Twilight Derby (G2), and Transylvania (G3).

One Stripe, a four-time group stakes winner in South Africa, made his fourth North American start and second straight at Gulfstream, where he had romped by 5 1/4 lengths in a one-mile optional claiming allowance on Dec. 26. Motion plans to give Test Score a break after his long year, while One Stripe’s future looks bright: “The distance really helped him today. The future is unlimited for him,” Motion said.

Destino d’Oro’s Late Rally in the Filly & Mare Turf

The Grade 2, $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational saw Destino d’Oro rally from last to win by one-half length over Crevalle d’Oro. Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Junior Alvarado, the 4-year-old filly was coming off a narrow victory in the Tropical Park Oaks at Gulfstream on Dec. 13 but went largely ignored at 15-1 odds.

A Day of Spectacle and Prestige

The 2026 Pegasus World Cup was a celebration of the sport’s finest. The event featured a total of 10 stakes races, seven of them graded, with purses totaling $5.675 million. The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) on dirt and the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) were the highlights, drawing top contenders from around the world.

The day also included the $500,000 Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf (G2), ensuring a diverse and exciting program for fans and bettors alike.

The atmosphere at Gulfstream Park was electric, with live DJs, dining options, and a sponsored open bar adding to the festive mood.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for the Winners?

For Skippylongstocking, the future is bright. His victory in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational not only secured his place in racing history but also earned him an automatic entry into the $7 million 2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. will now have the luxury of planning his campaign with the Breeders’ Cup in mind.

Test Score, meanwhile, will enjoy a well-deserved break before returning in the spring, while One Stripe’s potential seems limitless. Destino d’Oro’s victory in the Filly & Mare Turf suggests she could be a major player in the division throughout 2026.

Skippylongstocking, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione / Photo @pegasusworldcup

Key Questions About Pegasus World Cup 2026

  • Who won the 2026 Pegasus World Cup Invitational? Skippylongstocking won the 2026 Pegasus World Cup Invitational, passing White Abarrio in the stretch.
  • What was the winning time for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational? The winning time was 1:48.49 for 1 1/8 miles on the fast main track.
  • Who trained the winners of the Pegasus Turf and Filly & Mare Turf? Graham Motion trained Test Score (Pegasus Turf), and Brad Cox trained Destino d’Oro (Filly & Mare Turf).
  • How much did Skippylongstocking earn for his Pegasus victory? Skippylongstocking earned $1,686,000, bringing his career total to $5,461,250.
  • What is the significance of the Pegasus World Cup in horse racing? The Pegasus World Cup is one of the richest and most prestigious races, offering automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

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