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Saffie Joseph Jr. makes Pegasus World Cup history as Caribbean racing reaches new heights
GULFSTREAM PARK, FLORIDA – Caribbean horseracing reached its highest global moment yet on Pegasus World Cup Day, as Saffie Joseph Jr., the Barbados-born trainer who has become one of the most powerful figures in international racing, delivered a historic one-two finish in the prestigious US$3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (Grade 1).
Joseph saddled both the winner, Skippylongstocking, and the runner-up, White Abarrio, achieving a feat few trainers in the modern era can claim. More importantly, the victory confirmed Joseph as the only trainer to win the Pegasus World Cup twice and the only trainer to do so in consecutive years, an accomplishment that places him firmly among the elite of world racing.
What made the victory even more extraordinary was the nature of the result. Skippylongstocking entered the race as a 21-1 outsider, overlooked by many in a field stacked with star power. Yet under patient handling, the tough, battle-hardened runner surged late to upset the heavily favoured field, returning massive payouts to believers and stunning the racing world.
Skippylongstocking, and the runner-up, White Abarrio, trained by Barbadian Trainer Saffie Joseph creates history for the Caribbean with a one two finish in the United States.
The upset was one of the most talked-about moments of the Pegasus programme, with Skippylongstocking paying double-digit odds while denying his stablemate White Abarrio, last year’s Pegasus winner, who ran courageously in second. The result delivered Joseph a clean sweep of the top two positions, a rarity at the Grade 1 level and a testament to his conditioning and preparation.
Following the race, Joseph was visibly emotional, acknowledging the pressure of managing two elite runners in one of racing’s richest events. Speaking after the victory, he described the moment as overwhelming, crediting his team, owners, and the horses themselves for rising to the occasion.
For Guyana and the wider Caribbean, Joseph’s continued dominance on the world stage carries special significance. His success is not only personal, but symbolic of the region’s growing influence in international racing, an influence that Guyana has increasingly become part of.
Saffie Joseph Jr., the Barbados-born trainer speaks after history was made.
The One Guyana Racing Stable, which has forged a strong and successful relationship with Joseph, has already reaped the rewards of his expertise. Under his guidance, the stable has recorded major victories across the Caribbean, including a prestigious sprint triumph in Jamaica and the coveted Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, one of the most important races in the region.
This season, Joseph has once again positioned One Guyana Racing Stable on the international stage, having already secured one confirmed entry for the upcoming Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, with active preparations underway to possibly qualify a second runner for the event. Such representation continues to elevate Guyana’s profile in elite Caribbean racing circles.
Beyond the wins and trophies, Joseph’s impact has been deeply felt in the Caribbean itself. Despite his global success, he has remained closely connected to the region, consistently supporting Caribbean owners, trainers, and racing jurisdictions. His guidance, mentorship, and willingness to campaign Caribbean-owned horses internationally have helped bridge the gap between local racing and the world’s biggest stages.
For Guyana, this association has been transformative. The success of Guyanese-owned horses under Joseph’s care has reinforced the belief that locally based stables can compete and win at the highest levels when given the right opportunities and preparation.
As Guyana continues to expand its racing ambitions, with major events such as the Guyana Cup growing in purse value, prestige, and international attention, Joseph’s achievements serve as both inspiration and validation. His Pegasus World Cup triumph stands as proof that Caribbean excellence is no longer an aspiration, it is a reality.
With history now firmly on his side, Saffie Joseph Jr. has once again shown that the road from the Caribbean can lead straight to the winner’s circle on racing’s biggest days. And for Guyana, his success is a powerful reminder that the nation’s racing future is firmly aligned with the global stage.
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