I’m currently in my Miami era. Which is why, when I was invited to check out the Pegasus World Cup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I immediately responded with an enthusiastic “yes!!!!” If you’re unfamiliar, Pegasus is basically a horse race/festival/party. I had never actually been to any horse race before, so to prep, I looked into pics online that featured the typical attire—mostly Derby hats and pencil skirts, which did not jive with me. As it turns out, the Pegasus is actually way more my speed, considering it’s filled with celebrities, 20-somethings, and very good live music.
I couldn’t pass it up—in gloomy January, no less. So, I begged invited my best friend along for a weekend at the races in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and here’s what happened. (Spoiler: I screamed to Joe Jonas singing “Cake By the Ocean” front-row, made a lil cash, and ate some of the best food I’ve ever had.)
FYI: The writer received comped stays, meals, and tickets to the festival to write this review.
The Confidante
The Confidante was the ideal low-key spot to get some work done on Friday, enjoy the beach Saturday morning before the race, and grab a quick breakfast before heading back to New York on Sunday. Located in North Beach, this spot is right on the water and has a stellar pool and patio area. It’s also got private beach access, which is lined with lounge chairs and day beds just for hotel guests. We grabbed coffee from the lobby on Saturday and took a walk along the water, which was the best way to start a day full of betting on horses (and eating...and drinking...and looking for celebs).
Book a stay here.
The Pegasus World Cup
Obviously, the main event. It’s located at Gulfstream Park in Fort Lauderdale (about 40 minutes from South Beach), and from the second you set foot on the property, you’ll notice it’s packed full with A-listers. It’s massive, for starters. So whether or not you’re in the Carousel Club—which gives you the best access to the race with lots of food, drinks, and comfy sofas and chairs—there are plenty of places to hang out and watch the happenings.
TBH, the day before the event, I got the very-cool, very-journalist opportunity to interview Belinda Stronach, chairwoman, CEO, and president of 1/ST, the platform used to make all bets on the day’s races. Before I met with her, I anticipated being in a room full of old men who would ask me if I paid for my jeans to be ripped (you know the vibes). But Stronach and I discussed being a woman in the industry and how she’s working to get more women involved in the sport. And it starts with bright colors, fun performances, and making it as chic as possible, as evidenced by the outfit she wore that I am obsessed with...
On race day, we walked the carpet (very official!), then headed into the Carousel Club where we walked around, snacked (more on that below), chatted with attendees, and placed our bets in between the races. I was actually shocked by how much I enjoyed researching the horses and placing bets. And I didn’t do too terribly either, so win-win!
Groot Hospitality (owned by Miami royalty Dave Grutman) was a sponsor of the race, so they decked the place out with food from all of their top Miami restaurants. I inhaled a platter of sushi from Bad Bunny’s Japanese spot Gekko, I scarfed down some midday chicken tenders, and had my first-ever bite of caviar, on top of a delicious waffle fry. Oh, and they had carts filled with my fave Rob’s Backstage Popcorn throughout the Carousel Club, which was the perfect snack in between races.
Once the races were over for the day, the ~party~ began. Influencer Alix Earle introduced One Republic, who took the stage to sing a handful of songs. Then Kygo performed a DJ set and brought Joe Jonas onstage to perform their collab “Dancing Feet” and “Cake By the Ocean” (my fave song...ever). I couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to end our day.
Buy your tickets for the 2026 Pegasus World Cup here.
Oh, and if you’re slightly intrigued about the race but not enough to book a flight to the MIA, watch the Pegasus World Cup on Peacock.
