If you’re planning to attend the 2024 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Presented by Baccarat on Jan. 27 at Gulfstream Park, you’re in for a treat. The Pegasus World Cup, boasting a purse of $3 million, is expected to draw a large, competitive field and serves as the crown jewel on a card that will include a total of seven graded stakes races worth $5.2 million. Other highlights include the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational and the $500,000 Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf Invitational Presented by TAA.

So the Pegasus card features no shortage of top-notch horse racing, but it also offers guests world-class entertainment at one of the most beautiful settings in the sport. With an all-star cast of musical acts lined up, the 2024 Pegasus will be an incredible day at the racetrack! Here are 10 things we think you should know before you head to the races!

1. Tickets are still available.

If you don’t have your tickets yet, don’t worry! There are still great tickets left at a variety of price ranges, but don’t wait too long. Find out which ticket option is best for you.

2. The FOOD is going to be amazing!

Papi Steak will be served in Carousel Club (Groot Hospitality photo)

Last year, Miami-based Groot Hospitality signed a new multi-year partnership to add its A-list zest to select culinary and entertainment elements at the Pegasus World Cup. That means more delectable food will be offered around the track this year, and especially at the Flamingo Room, where guests will enjoy a premium culinary experience with dishes from Groot Hospitality hot spots Gekkō, Komodo, Papi Steak, Swan, and Casadonna.

3. Some things are better left behind.

As with all major sporting events, there are some restrictions of what items guests can bring into Gulfstream Park and what items are not permitted. For a full list of items to leave at home, click here, but here are a few main items you don’t want to lug into the Pegasus: drugs or weapons of any kind (including pocket knives); glass containers of any type; umbrellas; bulk or oversized carrying devices, non-folding, or folding, metal furniture; backpacks and duffle bags and non-clear bags over 12” x 12” x 6”; any bag larger than a clutch or small purse (clutch/small purse = no larger than 5” x 7”); mace or pepper spray; and selfie sticks. If you were considering bringing along a tent, ladder or scaffolding, or fireworks … first, why? And second, just no.

4. The entertainment lineup is amazingly good.

Calvin Harris (Bugzy Talor/Wikimedia)

If you’re looking for an incredible entertainment experience, this year’s Pegasus World Cup can’t be beat. The lineup for is headlined by world-famous DJ Calvin Harris, who will be performing a set after the races at the exclusive Carousel Club. In addition, DJs Tyson O’Brien and Xandra Pohl will perform during the day to get the crowd hyped.

Pegasus World Cup guests have previously enjoyed post-race performances by OneRepublic and Kygo (2023), Lil’ Kim, Ja Rule, Mase, El Debarge and DJ Cassidy (2022), Nelly and T-Pain (2020), Snoop Dogg and Mark Ronson (2019), Post Malone (2018) and Thomas Rhett (2017). Gulfstream Park again will deliver a terrific lineup in 2024!

5. Know the runners.

How can you bet the Pegasus World Cup races without knowing the contenders? There’s a strong field lined up for Saturday’s main event (Noel Michaels provides an early look at the expected field), and you can get to know each and every horse after the post-position draw right here on America’s Best Racing. First and foremost, don't miss our Pegasus World Cup Cheat Sheet Presented by 1/ST BET, which will be live on Tuesday, Jan. 23. We'll also have a Pegasus World Cup analysis from Ellis Starr, an At a Glance look at the Pegasus World Cup Turf from Bob Ehalt, and analysis of the Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf from Mike Curry. Let America’s Best Racing be your guide to the Pegasus card.

6. Star gazing is a big part of the appeal.

Vanessa Hudgens watches Arrogate win the 2017 Pegasus World Cup.

Every year, the Pegasus World Cup attracts a bevy of celebrities to the Hallandale Beach, Fla., track for the hottest racing event of the winter. Previous editions of the Pegasus have drawn stars such as Vanessa Hudgens, Carson Kressley, Karolina Kurkova, Maria Menounos, Usher, Olivia Culpo, Pharrell Williams, Lenny Kravitz, Post Malone, Snoop Dogg, Bella Thorne, Mark Ronson, Jennifer Lopez, Vin Diesel, Nelly, Lil’ Kim, and Ja Rule to Gulfstream along with a host of world-class athletes. Who will you spot at the 2024 Pegasus?

7. Learn in advance how to bet the Pegasus day races.

If you’re new to playing the ponies, welcome! There are several ways you can bet on horses, both in-person with tellers or by using an advance-deposit wagering app. The official betting portal for the Pegasus World Cup is 1/ST Bet, which you can sign up for here. 

8. Still worried about placing your own bets at the racetrack? Don’t worry, friendly assistance is available at Gulfstream.

Gulfstream Park’s Racing Ambassadors can explain the basics, show you how to read a program, use the self-service tote machines, and answer any and all questions you might have regarding the sport. You can request assistance from a Racing Ambassador at Silks Simulcast Center or the Guest Services booth located in the Breezeway.

9. Bring cash or try contactless betting with 1/ST BET.

If you’re going to bet at the Pegasus World Cup, it’s best to bring some cash with you. While you can buy a betting voucher with a credit card, it’s easier to have some cash on hand if you want to place a wager with a teller. Better yet, if you’re taking precautions and don’t want to handle cash at the track, simply bet online with 1/ST BET. It’s safe and easy.

10. Don’t leave empty handed.

The Village at Gulfstream Park is open for business with amazing shopping for Gulfstream Park visitors. Pick up a souvenir at the gift shop, stop by the art gallery for some great equine art, or check out the latest in fashion on your visit and bring home something to remember from a great day. Best-case scenario: just deduct what you spend shopping from your winnings!