b'racingGulFstream ParkFun in the sun in South Florida has been a longtime draw for horsemen and racing fans. Once centered at Hialeah Park near Miami, the sports winter ad-dress now is Gulfstream Park.The nice thing here is weve actu-ally linked two cities togetherFort Lauderdale and Miami, said Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer of The Stronach Group, which owns the racetrack. Were trying to become that capital of Hallandale, with Gulfstream as the destination to come in the middle of the two cities.Initially opened for four days in 1939, Gulfstream Park was reopened by James Donn Sr. for a 20-day meet in Decem-ber 1944. Turf racing was introduced in 1959.A significant event occurred in 1972, when Gulfstream Park was awarded mid-dle racing dates for mid-January to early March. As a result, the Florida Derby JosePH dioriobecame the states richest race.First run in 1952, the Florida Derby (G1) now ranks as one of the top prep races for the Kentucky Derby. Other races for 3-year-olds on the Derby trail include the Fasig-Tipton Holy Bull Stakes (G2) and the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2).The Gulfstream Park Mile (G2), formerly known as the Gulfstream Park Handicap, was first run in 1946. Its for older horses on dirt.Gulfstream Park, which has played host to the Breeders Cup three times (1989, 92, 99), showcased the Claim-ing Crown for the first time in 2012. The program of races, designed to serve as a Breeders Cup-style championship for claiming horses, has remained at the track and will be held there at least through 2021.Other special events at Gulfstream Park include the Sunshine Millions for PHotos By Zolder Florida-bred horses, and the Ca-ribbean Classic for horses based in Latin America and the Caribbean. Gulfstream Park underwent a major renovation starting in late 2004 and today embodies the ultimate racing The past three years have also boastedentertaining venue.the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1), North Americas richest racewere approved for the track the sameracetracks will look like in the futureand brainchild of Gulfstream Park patri- year. The main track was enlarged fromhospitality, entertainment, technology all arch Frank Stronach. The Pegasus Worlda mile to 1 18miles with a one-mile back- rolled in to complement the Thorough-Cup Turf Invitational Stakes (G1T) wasstretch chute, and the turf course wasbred racing, Ritvo said.added this year. lengthened to a mile and widened fromHe added that the downsized building A major renovation of the racetrack80 feet to 170. The facility also featureshelps create a more festive atmospherebegan soon after the conclusion of therestaurants and retail shops. and encourages a lot of energy in the 2004 championship meet. Slot machinesGulfstream is the model of whatbuilding.24 04_WinterRacing.indd 24 3/21/19 2:30 PM'