Gulfstream has hosted some of the most successful horses and jockeys in American horse racing history. Swaps, the 1955 Horse of the Year, set a world record in the Broward Handicap. This record was later broken the following year by the legendary racehorse Gen. Duke.
The 1957 Horse of the Year, and sire of the greatest of all time Secretariat, Bold Ruler, was another popular and successful racer at Gulfstream winning the Bahamas Stakes and the Flamingo Stakes.
1994 Horse of the Year Holy Bull won the Florida Derby, before suffering a career-ending injury the following year in the Donn Handicap, also held at Gulfstream. The next year, the great Cigar won both the Donn Handicap and the Gulfstream and became the biggest earner in horse racing.
More recently, in 2006, Barbaro won the Holy Bull Stakes and Florida Derby at Gulfstream. He went on to handily win the Kentucky Derby but sadly suffered fatal injuries two weeks later in the Preakness Stakes.
Notable jockeys who enjoyed career highlights at Gulfstream include Angel Cordero Jr., who, in 1980, set a meeting record of 60 wins. Legendary jockey Julie Krone became the first female jockey to win a Triple Crown Race in 1993 after riding Colonial Affair in the Belmont. She won the jockey's title the same year with 98 winners. She went on to win the Florida Derby in 1994 and the Donn Handicap in 1995. These days Irad Ortiz Jr dominates the championship meet.
The 2022–2023 Championship Meet at Gulfstream Park will begin on December 26 and include Pegasus World Cup Day on January 28 and the Florida Derby on April 1.
In 2017 Gulfstream hosted the first Pegasus World Cup. With a $12 million purse, this race, which took place on the dirt track, overtook the Dubai World Cup to earn the moniker of the world's richest horse race. The purse was raised even further the following year ($18 million) before being reduced in 2019. This reduction primarily resulted from another race being introduced on the turf (The Pegasus World Cup Turf Race), so the prize money was essentially split between the two races.
South Florida's premier thoroughbred race, the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational, is renowned for its exhilarating thrills, A-list celebrity guests, delectable fare from renowned Miami restaurants, and VIP hospitality.
Live it up with steaks, sushi, and an incredible selection of wine at Bissaleh at Gulfstream Park. This upscale venue is perfect for date night, an intimate gathering with your closest friends, or even with your family with a kids’ menu that is sure to please. The hardest part is deciding from the regular menu or sushi menu, though the best bet is to try them both!
Another great place to go not far from Gulfstream Park is the Upper Deck Ale and Sports Grille. While there are many locations, they all boast the same great styles of food that you can mix and match no matter what you’re in the mood for. Perfect for meeting friends when no one can decide what they feel like eating, plus lots of drink specials to keep everyone happy.
Looking for something a little more unusual? Try Christine Lee’s where Pan-Asian cuisine is served up alongside continental fare for those few picky eaters in your group. The Peking duck and house special wonton soup are a must at this on-site eatery.
When you want to take your time wining and dining while making your wagers, book a reservation at Ten Palms. The menu of upscale fare will delight your palate, while the view overlooking the racetrack makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.
If you need to rent a van, minibus, mini-coach, or full-size coach to get to and from Gulfstream Park look no further than East Coast Limousine. We offer charters, transfers, and shuttle service from facilities in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. It’s our mission to make sure you receive only the highest level of professionalism and customer care.
So when you're ready to charter a bus to Gulfstream Park, make some money playing the ponies, and have a great time with your crew, contact us!
