{"id":131288,"date":"2026-01-25T15:10:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T15:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/131288\/"},"modified":"2026-01-25T15:10:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T15:10:12","slug":"miamis-pegasus-world-cup-ends-on-a-high-note","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/131288\/","title":{"rendered":"Miami\u2019s Pegasus World Cup Ends on a High Note"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDJ’s, Eli Sones, and Matthew Halper, of ‘Two Friends”, perform at 10th Anniversary Pegasus World Cup. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Photo by\u00a0Michele Eve Sandberg<\/a><\/p>\n

The Pegasus World Cup<\/a> is a long, layered day \u2014 fashion, betting, anticipation, and spectacle all building toward the main event. It\u2019s kind of like a day at Disney World for adults: high stakes, bright colors, elaborate outfits, and endless activity that stretches from morning into the night. This year, that moment belonged to Skippylongstocking, who took home the crown and won the $3 million Pegasus World Cup<\/a>, setting the tone for the night<\/a> that followed.<\/p>\n

\"PhotoEarlier DJs, including DJ Ruckus, had already warmed things up.<\/p>\n

Once the race concluded, the focus shifted from the track to music. Two Friends<\/a> were the first major act to take over after the race, with the crowd still buzzing from the win. Earlier DJs, including DJ Ruckus, had already warmed things up, and when Eli Sones and Matthew Halper came on, the response was immediate. Cheers followed, energy lifted, and people began moving \u2014 still polished, still in derby attire, but clearly ready to unwind.<\/p>\n

\"TwoTwo Friends were the first major act to take over after the race, with the crowd still buzzing from the win.<\/p>\n

Known for their long-running Big Bootie Mix series, the LA-based duo delivered a set built on familiarity and momentum. Their mashups balanced pop nostalgia with dance beats that fit the moment \u2014 celebratory without overpowering the room. For roughly 90 minutes, Two Friends provided a steady release after a high-stakes day, giving the crowd space to let go without completely shifting the upscale tone of the event.<\/p>\n

\"AThe LA-based duo delivered a set built on familiarity and momentum.<\/p>\n

Later in the evening, Empire of the Sun<\/a> offered a dramatic contrast. While officially a duo \u2014 Luke Steele and producer Nick Littlemore \u2014 only Steele performs live, and he carried the performance with theatrical precision. He appeared alongside a DJ and two dancers whose movements felt part modern dance, part performance art.<\/p>\n

\"PhotoLuke Steele of Empire of the Sun performs at 10th Anniversary Pegasus World Cup, at Gulfstream Park Racing. <\/p>\n

Steele\u2019s entrance set the visual tone immediately: a red silk robe trimmed in gold, a bouquet of white roses in hand, a wide-brimmed black hat, and white makeup swept across his forehead. Beneath the robe, a full-length sequined gown revealed ornate embroidery \u2014 doves, gold detailing, and a religious image centered near the hem.<\/p>\n

\"PhotoSteele\u2019s entrance set the visual tone immediately.<\/p>\n

The set unfolded like a dream sequence. Empire of the Sun moved through 15 songs, including \u201cWe Are the People,\u201d \u201cMusic on the Radio (Adam Ten Remix),\u201d and the enduring \u201cWalking on a Dream.\u201d Steele\u2019s high-range, ethereal vocals floated through the room, drawing the crowd in. Phones rose, drinks stayed in hand, and the focus shifted from celebration to immersion.<\/p>\n

\"PhotoThe set unfolded like a dream sequence.<\/p>\n

After a full day at the track, the music didn\u2019t try to outshine the race. It followed it. Two Friends picked up the energy where the betting left off, and Empire of the Sun brought the night down gently, closing Pegasus World Cup on a steady note.\u00a0The only thing missing was fireworks. Maybe next year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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