Juddmonte Farms said Thursday it has agreed to buy Coolmore's $1 million Pegasus World Cup invitational entry. Juddmonte owns 2016 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Arrogate, who is continuing his preparation for the inaugural Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park Jan. 28.
All twelve of the $1 million slots for the race were purchased months ago, but not all of the stakeholders have committed to a particular horse. There was speculation that Coolmore might run Breeders' Cup Turf winner Highland Reel or possibly G3 winner Stanford, but the Irish company chose to sell its stake to Juddmonte instead. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Assuming all goes well, Arrogate will face California Chrome, the rival he beat in the Classic, in what would be the final race of Chrome's career. Stronach Stables' Shaman Ghost is also pointing for the Pegasus, as is Neolithic, from Starlight Racing. Sticksstatelydude had been under consideration but trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said Thursday that he has been sidelined indefinitely.
The stakes purchased by the 12 owners will provide the $12 million purse for the race, $7 million of which will go to the winner.
