A notable pair of Group 1 turf stakes at Goodwood Racecourse in England this week will earn the winners an automatic berth on the 2026 Pegasus World Cup Day program January 24 at Gulfstream Park.

The one-mile Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes for three-year-olds and up on Wednesday July 30 will serve as a qualifier for the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1), while the 1 1/4-mile Visit Qatar Nassau Stakes for fillies and mares of three years and older on Thursday July 31 will also act as a qualifier for the $500,000 Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G2).

Held in late January on a card headlined by the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) for older horses on dirt, the Pegasus Turf is contested over 1 1/8 miles, whereas the Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf is run at 1 1/16 miles.

Among the contenders for the Sussex is millionaire five-year-old Carl Spackler, winner of eight of 12 races in the U.S. including three Grade 1 stakes before being sold privately to China’s Yulong Investments to race overseas. Carl Spackler made his first two career starts at Gulfstream, the second a maiden triumph in February 2023. He was sixth in the June 17 Queen Anne Stakes (G1) in his European debut. He now takes on the best of the British and Irish in a clash of the generations, headed by leading three-year-old miler, Field Of Gold, and last year’s Irish Guineas (G1) victor, Rosallion.

The Nassau has also drawn a competitive field, spearheaded by Aidan O’Brien’s Whirl, winner of the recent Pretty Polly Stakes (G1), and See The Fire, third in a white-hot Prince of Wales’s Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot.

European-based horses have made their mark in the Pegasus Turf since its debut in 2019. Magic Wand ran second in both 2019 and 2020 before Warm Heart captured the 2024 edition in a track-record time of 1:44.45 in the finale of her esteemed career. Both Irish-bred mares were trained by the aforementioned O’Brien.

This partnership creates an easily accessible pathway for horses to compete both in North America and the United Kingdom, and helps to encourage top-tier racehorses to travel and increase international participation at both fixtures – while also bolstering elite fields for global audiences and deeper fan engagement.

Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, said: “Thanks again to our friends at Goodwood Racecourse, with our ongoing partnership now in its second year. We look forward to welcoming the victors of the Sussex Stakes and Nassau Stakes back to Gulfstream Park in late January 2026 for one of the most lucrative racedays on the East Coast.

“These reciprocal pathways mark the latest strides in 1/ST’s bid to broaden the appeal and international participation in the world’s major races. We’ve already seen such incentives reap immediate rewards when Crimson Advocate won at Royal Ascot in 2023, having punched her automatic spot via our Royal Palm juvenile series at Gulfstream Park. Now, Miami can hopefully work its magic again with the Qatar Goodwood Festival! I look forward to seeing the stellar action unfold in person on the South Downs this week.”

Wednesday, July 30: Qatar Sussex Stakes – Pegasus World Cup Turf
Race 4: 10:05 (ET); 15:05 (BST)
The winner of the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes (G1) receives an automatic invitation into the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) on January 24, 2026, at Gulfstream Park plus a $25,000 travel allowance and VIP hospitality for the winning connections.

Thursday, July 31: Qatar Nassau Stakes – Pegasus World Cup Filly $ Mare Turf
Race 4: 10:05 am (ET); 15:05 (BST)
Winner of the Visit Qatar Nassau Stakes (G1) receives an automatic invitation to the Pegasus World Cup F/M Turf (G2) on January 24, 2026, at Gulfstream Park plus a $25,000 travel allowance and VIP hospitality for the winning connections.

Accor, in partnership with businessman and casino owner Phil Ruffin, announced the signing of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection. The salient 2884 key property overlooks the city’s premier racing circuit and features some of the best panoramic views of Las Vegas. To be operated under a franchise agreement with Accor when it officially debuts later this year, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection joins a global portfolio of carefully curated hotels and becomes the second Handwritten Collection address in the US, following Hotel Stratford San Francisco – Handwritten Collection last year. The signing further increases Accor’s presence in the Americas region, with more than 550 hotels open and operating, and reflects the Group’s growing presence across North America.

“The city’s tagline is ‘What happens here, only happens here’, and certainly there is no other place in the world where a collaboration of this scale and significance could come together. The union of Treasure Island and Handwritten Collection creates a one-of-a-kind guest journey, where connections are treasured, wonder is discovered, and every stay is a narrative waiting to unfold. We are incredibly proud to partner with Mr. Ruffin and confident that together we can create a bigger and bolder future for this iconic hotel now that it sits within the Handwritten Collection portfolio and part of the Accor network,” said Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief Development Officer at Accor.

With more than 40 million visitors drawn to Las Vegas each year, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection is set to offer a truly memorable stay for those seeking genuine hospitality in the heart of the world’s entertainment capital. The franchise partnership between Accor and Treasure Island includes Handwritten Collection brand support, along with Accor’s full global array of services, including sales & marketing, distribution, and loyalty. The hotel will benefit from exposure to the ALL Accor loyalty program – one of the largest and most globally diversified loyalty databases in the world, with 100+ million members and growing.

“Treasure Island has long held a special place in the story of Las Vegas, and I am certain that Accor and Handwritten Collection will further enrich its legacy and attract new generations of guests and visitors. This next chapter brings new energy to the resort while preserving its unmistakable spirit. We are proud to align with Accor – a global leader in hospitality whose values resonate deeply with ours, and we look forward to a successful and long-lasting partnership,” said Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

As the newest entrant to Handwritten Collection, Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection joins over 25 hotels now open and more than 35 addresses in the pipeline. Standing as a beacon of individuality in the global hospitality sector, Handwritten Collection properties weave character and personality into the guest experience, making every stay unique.

At Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection, the distinct design and whimsical personality of the hotel, inspired by the classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson, carries through the guest experience, inviting travelers to rediscover their childhood spirit. Many of the hotel’s best-known features and perks, as conceived by Mr. Ruffin, will continue to be honored, such as free valet and self-parking.

The hotel has also recently been transformed by a multi-million-dollar refresh, blending contemporary comfort with thoughtful design elements, ensuring the energy of Las Vegas shines through in every detail. A breezy, sociable lobby overlooks a tropical pool, where intuitive self-check-in is complemented by a 24-hour guest relations team ready to offer a warm welcome. The resort features 10 diverse dining venues and eight upscale lounges and bars, including beloved options such as Phil’s Steak House, Golden Circle Sports Bar, and the popular Gilley’s Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que.

The luxurious Oleksandra Spa & Salon is a favorite among guests and residents, part of the resort’s tapestry of experiences filled with local flair. Lively entertainment venues, elegant wedding chapels, state-of-the-art event spaces, and 90,000 sq. ft. of casino and gaming add to the attractions, while the hotel connects to Fashion Show Las Vegas, the largest mall in the city. The famed Mystère – the original Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas – performs at the Treasure Island theatre, having been honored eight times as ‘Best Production Show’ and continues to enchant audiences, underscoring the property’s connection to the city’s enduring sense of wonder.

Guestrooms and suites at Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection offer breathtaking views of the famed Las Vegas Strip, Sphere Las Vegas, and the stunning Spring Mountains that encircle the Nevada horizon. Signature SensaTIonalTM pillowtop beds, generous soaking bathtubs or whirlpools, marble finishes and upscale amenities ensure stays are as restorative as they are inspiring.

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Aligning with Accor’s sustainability commitments, the hotel was awarded a Four Green Globes certification by the Green Building Initiative. The certification reflects meaningful improvements in energy and water efficiency, air quality and resource management – further aligning the hotel with conscientious travelers.

“We are thrilled to bring Accor to Las Vegas and to provide our ALL Accor members and guests here in the United States, as well as those visiting from around the globe, with an incredible opportunity to stay at this emblematic property – now the largest Accor hotel in the world. The addition of Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Handwritten Collection is a milestone achievement, not only for our Handwritten Collection portfolio, but for Accor’s growing presence of exclusively selected properties in the U.S. market,” said Thomas Dubaere, CEO PM&E, Accor Americas.

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) is proud to announce its new status as a powerhouse in the casino and resort data activation world, following a strategic acquisition of VizExplorer and sustained global expansion. Armed with the combined strengths of QCI’s cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence platform and VizExplorer’s renowned analytics intellectual property, the company is uniquely positioned to drive unprecedented growth. This development enables QCI to invest heavily in an expanded product offering, delivering deeper and wider solutions for a gaming industry that is rapidly diversifying in scope and needs.

Over the past year, QCI has dramatically extended its reach and capabilities. The company’s advanced software is now deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America, collectively managing more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue. QCI operates in 17 countries and 30 U.S. states, including partnerships with 90 sovereign tribal nations – a footprint that “cements the company’s position as a global leader in casino and resort intelligence,” according to a recent press release quickcustomintelligence.com. This broad presence has validated QCI’s model across diverse markets, proving the platform’s ability to adapt to regional demands while maintaining core excellence in data-driven decision-making quickcustomintelligence.com.

“We truly have become the industry’s data activation powerhouse,” said Dr. Ralph Thomas, QCI’s Co-Founder and CEO. “Our acquisition of VizExplorer turbo-charges what we offer to casino resorts. Now, from the gaming floor to marketing campaigns, from player development to hotel operations – QCI provides an integrated intelligence platform that activates data in real time to drive revenue and enhance guest experiences.” By “data activation,” Dr. Thomas refers to QCI’s knack for turning raw data into actionable insights on the fly – something increasingly crucial as casinos diversify into new domains like online gaming, sports betting, and personalized hospitality. “The industry is rapidly diversifying,” he continued, “and our expanded product suite means we can serve all facets of that diversification. Whether a property is focused on slots and tables, a robust loyalty program, a sportsbook, or non-gaming amenities, QCI now has the tools to optimize it.”

Expanded Product Suite & Innovation: With the integration of VizExplorer, QCI has been able to accelerate investment in product development. The combined company now offers a wider and deeper range of solutions than ever before, including:

• Comprehensive Operational Intelligence: QCI’s core platform unifies player development, marketing, slot management, and hotel operations into one coordinated system. Casino resorts can dynamically adjust operations with data-driven precision – a capability that QCI says enables “live optimization” of the entire resort enterprise.
• Next-Generation Data Visualization & AI: The combined platform leverages Generative AI-powered analytics (such as QCI’s Chatalytics™ natural language query engine) alongside VizExplorer’s patented Super Graphic tooling. This means users will be able to both converse with their data in plain English and then see it displayed in intuitive heatmaps and treemaps. Modulus was a partner of VizExplorer and moved to QCI in part because of the global QCI adoption. “This level of global adoption underscores the effectiveness of QCI’s platform in optimizing gaming and hospitality operations,” noted Marc Attal, COO of Modulus (a QCI partner) quickcustomintelligence.com. In short, QCI’s platform now enhances data activation, operational efficiency, and customer engagement across multiple continents, bringing AI and BI together for superior insights.
• Broader Portfolio of Integrated Tools: QCI’s offering spans a spectrum of modules: marketing campaign management, player loyalty and CRM, real-time host engagement apps, slot performance analytics, table game yield management, hotel and retail personalization, and more. The VizExplorer acquisition adds depth in areas like service dispatch, advanced reporting, and specialized analytics (e.g., the Quartal™ visual method), creating a one-stop-shop for resort intelligence. This holistic approach allows casino operators to replace patchwork systems with a single, unified platform that addresses all their data needs.

As the casino industry evolves, QCI’s strengthened position is a timely boon for casino resort operators. In recent years, operators have moved to diversify revenue streams – embracing online gambling, mobile sports wagering, fantasy sports, skill-based gaming, and non-gaming amenities – to complement traditional gaming. This diversification means data silos are multiplying, and the ability to aggregate and act on data from all facets of the business is paramount. “We see ourselves as the nerve center for the modern casino-resort,” said Andrew Cardno, QCI’s Co-Founder and CTO. “By expanding our platform’s breadth, we ensure that wherever our clients’ business grows – be it a new hotel tower, an online casino offering, or a sportsbook – their data flows into one intelligent system. They can analyze a high-roller’s on-property play and their online bets in one view, or coordinate hotel marketing with casino rewards seamlessly. That unified insight is key in a multi-channel world.”

Cardno emphasized that continued innovation and investment are core to QCI’s growth strategy. The company has significantly increased its R&D budget post- acquisition, channeling resources into emerging technologies like enhancing the predictive AI, cloud-hybrid architectures, and enhanced cybersecurity to protect the vast data streams now being handled. QCI’s commitment to the industry is further evident in its educational initiatives (like QCI College for analytics training) and thought leadership – Dr. Thomas, Cardno, and their team have authored a dozen books on gaming analytics and frequently speak at industry forums. “We’re not just selling software, we’re advancing the science of resort operations,” said Cardno. “Our recent expansion into 17 countries shows the universal value of our approach. Now, with a richer product lineup, we aim to set the standard for how data is used in casinos worldwide.”

Industry observers have taken note of QCI’s rapid ascent. In the words of one gaming technology analyst, “QCI has quickly filled the void left by legacy systems. VizExplorer pioneered this space, but QCI has really become the dominant player as casinos transition to more modern, AI-driven tools sccgmanagement.com.” The partnership with VizExplorer’s team has been remarkably smooth, with a shared culture of customer-focused innovation. Many casinos that once used VizExplorer are now embracing QCI’s platform; for example, Delaware Park, Prairie Band Casino, and others publicly switched from VizExplorer to QCI in recent months quickcustomintelligence.com. This trend underscores QCI’s emerging status as the go-to solution for data activation in the gaming resort sector.

Looking ahead, QCI projects robust growth propelled by its enhanced capabilities. The company is actively pursuing opportunities in at least 10 new markets globally quickcustomintelligence.com, reflecting an aggressive but confident expansion strategy. Moreover, the diversified product suite means QCI can cater to integrated resorts (encompassing gaming, hotels, entertainment, and more) better than siloed competitors. “Our message to the industry is clear,” Dr. Thomas stated. “Whether you’re a standalone casino, a multi-property enterprise, or a hospitality group branching into gaming – QCI is ready to partner in unlocking the full value of your data.” With the VizExplorer integration complete and a strong innovation pipeline, QCI stands ready to lead the next era of casino analytics.