By Bloodhorse.com
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2016) — NBC Sports Group has reached an agreement with The Stronach Group for exclusive United States media rights to the inaugural running of the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (gr. I). What would become the world’s richest Thoroughbred race will be contested Jan. 28, 2017, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.
The network will air a live 90-minute telecast with all coverage to be streamed live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app, which is the NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs.
NBC Sports Group executives said The Pegasus World Cup Invitational will complement the network’s exclusive, long-term media agreements for all the Triple Crown races, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and the newly-acquired Royal Ascot meet.
“We are excited to work with The Stronach Group to present such a unique and lucrative race as we continue to present the best horse racing in the world,” said Jon Miller, president of programming for NBC Sports and NBCSN.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with NBC to bring the world’s richest Thoroughbred horse race to audiences across the United States. The Stronach Group is committed to modernizing and elevating the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing for the next generation of fans, while providing a deeper experience to our existing fans and racing enthusiasts with exciting new events like The Pegasus World Cup Invitational.” said Belinda Stronach, chairman and president of The Stronach Group.
The Pegasus World Cup Invitational replaces the Donn Handicap on the Gulfstream Park stakes schedule. It will be contested at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt and is restricted to 12 horses.
The race is unique in that 12 owners have reserved a spot in the starting gate by paying $1 million each. As owners of a starting spot, they will share equally in the net income from betting, media rights and sponsorships. Entry owners can choose to race, lease, share a starter, or sell their place in the gate. The winner of the race will earn a world-record $7 million.