Gulfstream Park will host of the 2017 Clasico Internacional del Caribe, the Confederation of Caribbean Racetracks announced Friday.
Gulfstream will become the first pari-mutuel facility outside Latin America and the Caribbean to host the Clasico Internacional del Caribe since its inception in 1966. The event, which will take place in December, includes five races with total purses of $600,000, including the $300,000 Caribbean Derby.
“Gulfstream has been approved to host the Clasico here in 2017,” said Confederation President Hugo Albarran through an interpreter. “It's historical. It's the first time in 50 years the race will be held in a country that's not a member [of the Confederation]. We're very happy with The Stronach Group. We'll make Florida part of Latin America. This will help us grow and guarantees the Clasico is successful. It started as a $30,000 race. Then $50,000, then $100,000. Now all five races are at $600,000. It's the biggest purse for any day of Latin America racing.”
Albarran and The Stronach Group's Mike Rogers and Tim Ritvo said quarantine issues and travel logistics have been worked out with the United States Department of Agriculture.
“We believe the opportunity to showcase your product is something that will be beneficial to all the countries in involved,” Ritvo said. “We believe running this world-class event, along with our passion for horse racing and the dedication to the international Thoroughbred industry by our founder, Mr. Frank Stronach, will enhance and entice people to watch and bet on your product. Rest assured, The Stronach Group will be 100% committed to throwing a world-class event and showing off your horse racing to the entire world.”
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