A huge statue of the mythological figure Pegasus is shown slaying a dragon at the Gulfstream Park racetrack and casino in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Mentioned as the largest bronze equine statue in the world, the Pegasus and Dragon monument has become a landmark that has been able to brand the city and Gulfstream Park, cultivating interest and activity from across the world.
A Symbol of Strength, Elegance and Triumph
The Pegasus and Dragon monument connects with the history of Gulfstream Park, which since 1939 has been one of the most important venues for horse racing in the country. Announced in 2012 as part of a long-term expansion of Gulfstream Park, the Pegasus and Dragon monument was built between 2014 and 2015 by Frank Stronach, who owns Gulfstream Park.
The central figure of what would become known as the Pegasus and Dragon monument was always envisioned to be Pegasus, a winged horse from Greek mythology that has become an icon of modern horseracing. The sculpture depicts Pegasus pinning down an unnamed dragon with its front hoof. The 110-foot sculpture of Pegasus is over 200 feet wide and made of 330 tons of steel and 132 tons of bronze. The dragon is made of 110 tons of steel and 132 tons of bronze.
While many have formed their own interpretations of the monument and what both Pegasus and the dragon represent, the piece was designed to serve as a symbol of strength, elegance and good triumphing over evil. These connections as well as the monumentous scope of the piece have allowed it come to represent Gulfstream Park as a whole while creating additional attention and engagement across the region.
An Icon for Pegasus Park and Beyond
Pegasus and Dragon anchors ‘Pegasus Park,’ which features waterfalls and fountains as well as a walkway and plaza. In the evening, a light and laser show uses bursts of colorful water to illuminate the sculpture. The performance features 13 musical pieces, 350 fog nozzles, 116 water nozzles and special LED lighting that simulates fire breathing.
The Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes is named for the sculpture while also spurring interest for developments like Gulftsream Park Tower, a 182-unit apartment building. Intended to be a landmark that would draw crowds and create a positive economic impact for local shops and restaurants, it has compelled interest that ranges from selfies to merchandizing to licensing.
Utilized as an important means of identity for Gulfstream Park and the entire area, the sculpture has been mentioned as the ultimate expression of equine speed, grace, and dexterity. Doing so has created opportunity and interest that spans audiences and eras.
A Global Sensation
As one of the tallest statues in the United States, Pegasus and Dragon was always intended to be a global sensation that would attract tourists from around the world. However, the scope of the project was always secondary to how it connected with Gulftsream Park and with the surrounding community.
The creation of this larger-than-life mythological scene has provided a Florida casino with a landmark that draws in residents and visitors, highlighting the type of interest and activity that monuments can cultivate, no matter their size.
