Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella has scratched Omaha Beach from Saturday’s Pegasus World Cup Invitational Presented by Runhappy, Gulfstream Park officials have announced.
His withdrawal follows Spun to Run’s withdrawal due to a skin rash.
“It was observed this morning that Omaha Beach had light swelling in his right hind fetlock,” Mandella said.
“While we are disappointed to have to miss the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, Omaha Beach’s safety and well-being comes first, and we wanted to do what was best for him. He has been a great pleasure to have around the barn and we are grateful for the opportunity to train such a magnificent horse.”
The 4-year-old son of War Front, raced by Rick Porter’s Fox Hill Farms, is scheduled to begin stud duty for the 2020 season at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky.
“We appreciate the willingness of Mr. Mandella to put the safety of Omaha Beach above all else,” said Belinda Stronach, chairman and president of The Stronach Group. “His decision was the right thing to do and reflects the new standard of care set for this year’s Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series.”
The $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational will now have 10 starters. Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Spun to Run was declared out of the race earlier Thursday morning.
The Pegasus purse, even after a $6 million reduction from last year, is still a highly alluring $3 million, with no entry fee.
Launched in 2017 as part of The Stronach Group’s mission to excite, energize and modernize the sport of racing for a new generation of fans, the Pegasus World Cup also provides lucrative opportunities for Thoroughbred owners and trainers.
In just three short years, it has captured the attention of the racing industry, celebrities and fans from around the world and has established itself as premier event on the racing calendar featuring some of the finest domestic and international runners.
New this year, the Pegasus will be run free of medication, including the race-day, anti-bleeding medication Lasix
