World's richest race - and probably the most expensive

Roll up, roll up for the greatest racing show on earth. Or if not the greatest, then at least the richest. “It took $12 million to get me off the couch,” grins Bob Baffert, in reference to the prize-money on offer for the first running of the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park.

The west coast legend is just telling it like it is. Filthy lucre explains why both the Baffert-trained Arrogate and California Chrome are in Florida for a much-publicised rematch after their epic battle for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita. If it wasn’t for the Pegasus, California Chrome would already be at stud, while his Santa Anita conqueror would be enjoying his winter break.

“These races can change the dynamic,” says Frank Taylor of Taylor Made Farms, part-owners of the recently re-crowned US Horse of the Year. “California Chrome would have gone to stud last year if it wasn’t for Dubai.”