White Abarrio won the Grade 1, $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park with a stakes-record 6 1/4-length victory, completing the race in 1:48.05. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. secured his third victory in the race, while trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. earned his first Pegasus World Cup win. White Abarrio’s win marked his fourth Grade 1 victory and first since the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
White Abarrio’s triumph was a two-horse race against Saudi Crown, who led early on but was overtaken by White Abarrio in the stretch. Despite a slow start, Locked finished second, narrowly beating White Abarrio’s stablemate Skippylongstocking. The victory marked White Abarrio’s ninth career win and improved his record to 20: 9-2-3, with earnings totaling $6,879,850.
White Abarrio’s journey included stints with different trainers before returning to Saffie Joseph Jr., who had initially trained him. The horse’s owners expressed their faith in White Abarrio, highlighting his resilience and talent. The victory at the Pegasus World Cup was a significant achievement for the team, solidifying White Abarrio’s status as a standout racehorse.
