Florida Derby Diaries: Party with Pegasus

The Xpressbet.com Florida Derby is one of the biggest Triple Crown prep races every year, but this year is special: not only are there 100 Kentucky Derby points on the line for the winner of the race, but the two current undefeated favorites for the run for the roses, Mohaymen and Nyquist, will square off Saturday for the top-dog position.
I spent the afternoon at the track on Friday, taking in the sights of on a beautiful Miami day and enjoying the splendor of Gulfstream Park.

After I had wandered to my heart’s content, I headed to the media office to check in and get my credentials in order. That’s when I learned that there would be a welcome party at the track that evening for the various owners, trainers, media and glitterati in town for the big race.

I was very excited to go, but I was facing one slight problem: I was dressed for a day of work at the track on one of the hottest days so far of 2016.

This would not do. Blue jeans and a sleeveless blouse just are not OK for a cocktail party, and I didn’t have anything else with me to change into. Fortunately, I was saved by the fact that Gulfstream Park has an entire shopping village on its grounds, so I grabbed my wallet and headed out to see what could be done about my dire wardrobe situation.

I headed toward the shopping directory, and after a brief perusal of the many retail offerings, I decided to try out Blu Ice, a ladies’ clothing establishment.

When I walked in the door, I was immediately greeted by the boutique’s owner Sook Knyper, who listened intently to my plight and then found me several options perfect for a cocktail party celebrating this year’s most prestigious Kentucky Derby prep race. After trying on a few looks, we settled on this awesome cobalt dress with a black underlay.

It was a life- (or at least style-) saving moment, and I will definitely head back to that Blu Ice when I’m back in town!
I had just enough time to head back to the track and get changed before it was time for me to head to Pegasus Park for the party.
Pegasus Park is one of Gulfstream Park’s newest attractions, and it features a massive statue of the legendary winged horse doing battle with a dragon. It’s absolutely spectacular, and I urge you to go visit the park to see the sculpture up close when you’re at Gulfstream next.

The park even had a designated selfie station picked out to help visitors find the best spot to snap a pic with Pegasus.

You know I had to get in on the action:

To celebrate Pegasus, the party had a Greek theme – which meant that the food was absolutely delectable, with spanakopita, stuffed grape leaves, and more.

Entertainers were scattered throughout the party, showing off talents like archery and dancing.

Plenty of Thoroughbred racing’s luminaries were there, including Florida Derby entrant Nyquist’s trainer, Doug O’Neil:

Top jockey John Velazquez beamed as Alicia Wincze-Hughes of the Lexington Herald-Leader showed him photos of his retired Horse of the Year mount Wise Dan on the farm:

All around the park, racing fans, horsemen and media mingled as the sun went down an the muggy Florida afternoon turned into a balmy night.

When the sun was completely down, the real spectacle was about to begin. All of the sudden, the spotlights around Pegasus went dim, and smoke creeped out of the fountain encasing the sculpture:

Then, the fountains began to jet high above the crowd’s heads in time with music as the clash between Pegasus and the dragon was played out in lights, water and symphony.

The show ended with the dragon unleashing a massive spurt of fire in his dying breath to the delight of everyone assembled.

With that, it was time for me to head home to get ready for tomorrow’s Florida Derby. Remember, if you can’t get to the track or watch it on TVG, you can catch a livestream online here.
Thank you for joining me, and I can’t wait to share Florida Derby day with you! Let me know in the comments who you think will win the race: Mohaymen, Nyquist, or a dark horse in the running?