A day at the races: New Florida man Mark Wahlberg hits the track
It’s been a long six years for Mark Wahlberg, but his beloved New England Patriots are finally going back to the Super Bowl.
On Instagram Sunday, the Boston native was seen praying with his priest. Then, after his team won the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field in Colorado, screaming at the top of his lungs into the camera, “F--- yeahhhhhh!!!”
The day before all the excitement, Wahlberg made sure to stay busy. The 54-year-old muscleman wisely shifted his focus to a different sport; horse racing.
The Oscar nominee was seen trackside at the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach on its 10th anniversary Saturday. Well, not just seen. Walhlberg played a major role in the action, shouting the customary “Riders up!” to start the race, while also giving a shout-out to Pats Nation.
“Racing fans, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, the 10th running of the Pegasus World Cup,” Wahlberg yelled into the mic breathlessly. “To sports fans all around the world and my Patriots Nation, we’re all we got, we’re all we need!”
More than 10,000 guests showed up at the star-studded event, whose guests also included “Real Housewives of MiamI” castmate Larsa Pippen, rapper Offset, former Miami Dolphin Braxton Berrios, and “Shark Tank” panelist Kevin O’Leary.
Skippylongstocking, a 7-year-old “senior citizen” ridden by Davie-born jockey Tyler Gaffalione vanquished his younger rivals, beating the 21-1 odds.
It’s unclear if Wahlberg made any money off of “Skippy,” but we know he has more than a passing interest in horses. His 16-year-old daughter Grace (mom is model Rhea Durham) is an accomplished equestrian.
In a 2023 interview with People, the rapper turned actor said the teen, who has participated in multiple internationally ranked jumping events, is definitely driven.
“She’s got my work ethic, for sure,” the “Ted” star told the outlet. “She does not mess around. If you even think about getting her there late or missing something, it’s a big problem.”
Get used to seeing the famous family around South Florida more often. Last October, Wahlberg plunked down $27 million for a mansion in the Delray Beach area.
Sitting on a 2.7-acre lot in the exclusive gated community of Stone Creek Ranch, Palazza di Lago has amenities galore. Think a tennis court, saltwater lagoon, fitness center, movie theater, cigar lounge,; and wine cellar.
But no stables — yet.
