Date: Saturday, December 8, 2018

Site: Gulfstream Park

For only the second time in its storied history, the premier Thoroughbred racing event in Latin America and the Caribbean will be held in the United States, as Gulfstream Park hosts the 2018 Clasico del Caribe.

This unique event showcases the premier horses from Panama, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Ecuador, Trinidad & Tobago and the Dominican Republic. Horses compete for $600,000 in purses, as well as national pride and prestige.

The showcase event, the Caribbean Classic, features a $300,000 purse and is one of the area’s most revered races. Past winning jockeys include Joel Rosario (2008), Jose Lezcano (2015), Laffity Pincay Jr. (1980), Jacinto Vasquez (1974), Cornelio Velasquez (2004, 2003, 1992), Fernando Jara (2006) and Emisael Jaramillo (2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2000).

Last year’s Clasico Internacional del Caribe was one of Gulfstream’s most electric days of racing with fans waving and wearing the flags of their countries while chanting and singing throughout the afternoon. The day was highlighted by the Mexican-based filly Jala Jala winning the Clasico, giving Irad Ortiz Jr., three Clasico stakes victories on the day.