Gulfsteam once again played host to the thoroughbred horse race, Pegasus World Cup, drawing a record-setting audience of 18,000 fans this past weekend in south Florida. The equestrian fête truly returned in full force bringing this year’s production to the next level with multiple VIP and entertainment options, a star-studded lineup, and a roaring set of evening performances to cap a day of horseplay. Stylish luminaries like Nicole Scherzinger (who was tasked with singing the National Anthem), Ashlee Simpson, Evan Ross, rapper Swae Lee, and cast members from The Real Housewives of Miami were in attendance, while DJ Cassidy brought his ‘Pass the Mic’ series to the trackside Carousel Club with legendary artists Ja Rule, Lil’ Kim, Mase, and Jadakiss as headliners. The icons performed throwback hits like “Put It On Me,” “Lady Marmalade,” and “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down,” with an epic group encore of “Rhythm of The Night” atop a towering, multi-level LED stage.

“We were excited about all the new partners we brought on board to Pegasus World Cup this year,” said Jimmy Vargas, CEO of 1/ST. "Our goal for Pegasus World Cup is to always produce a race day experience where guests can expect the unexpected.”

Outside of the Carousel Club, South Beach’s newest lounge, Gala, hosted a VIP Garden where guests sipped signature Pink Jockey cocktails and enjoyed a cigar lounge by Davidoff. Upstairs, the sprawling Flamingo Room transitioned from daytime lounge to supper club in multiple iterations throughout the afternoon with Faena Live and burlesque queen Ariana Savalas, who delighted guests with immersive cabaret and fancy fire tricks.

While thoroughbred races are of course about the horses, few social events in Miami rival the festive finery seen at Pegasus, from pastel dresses in eccentric silhouettes to hats and fascinators of Marie Antoinette proportions. And even with this weekend’s wintry temps, style was not sacrificed. As for the prized pony who took home the championship trophy – his name is “Life is Good”, and dubbed a horse to watch as he heads into the spring racing season.

Click through to see inside this year’s race festivities and its best dressed guests!

[Photos courtesy Getty/World Red Eye]

Evan Ross, Ashlee Simpson

The Guest List

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