Abu Dhabi pulled out all the stops for the US$1 million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, powered by ADNOC, turning race night into a full lifestyle experience. With a seven-figure prize purse on the line, world-class horses on the track, premium dining and live entertainment across the venue, it was a night that blended elite sport with high-end hospitality.
At the centre of it all was Japanese contender Strauss, who travelled all the way from Japan with his team to compete on this international stage. Owned by Carrot Farm Ltd, trained by Ryo Takei and ridden by Brazilian jockey João Moreira, Strauss delivered a performance that made the journey more than worth it. Keep reading for all the fascinating details you need to know.
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A Winning Run Worth The Journey
Stopping the clock at 1:33.98 minutes, Strauss secured the impressive US$1 million prize purse, placing the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup among one of the most valuable Listed Thoroughbred races in the world.
The win also earned jockey João Moreira an automatic qualification to compete in the US$1 million Grade 1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day in the United States. Taking this Abu Dhabi victory straight onto another global stage.
Trainer Ryo Takei shared during the press conference that seeing Abu Dhabi firsthand exceeded expectations. He explained that the barrier draw worked in their favour, helping Strauss avoid congestion at the start and allowing Moreira to execute the race strategy smoothly.
Moreira added that although the horse was slightly unsettled in the opening moments, he quickly found his rhythm, making a decisive move into open space at exactly the right time to secure the win.
A Stylish Podium Finish
Coming in second, just one length behind, was Dark Trooper, owned by Wathnan Racing, trained by Alban de Mieulle and ridden by James Doyle.
Third place went to Comanche Brave, owned by John Magnier and Mrs M. O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore.
It was a tight and competitive finish that kept the crowd watching right until the final stretch.
A Premium Lifestyle Experience
While the action on the track was the headline moment, the experience around it made the night truly special. Guests enjoyed premium hospitality throughout the venue, including standout dining experiences such as Hakkasan, alongside other elevated culinary offerings that brought a luxury touch to race night.
From fine dining to curated hospitality spaces, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup created an atmosphere that felt just as glamorous off the track as it did on it.
A Full Race Programme On The Night
The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup was supported by a strong race card, including the Group 1 Alanudd Classic and the first leg of the Arabian Triple Crown, with a combined prize value of AED 5.7 million, highlighting the continued commitment to both Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian racing.
Here are the results from the rest of the evening:
Race 1 – Liwa Oasis (1,400m)
Hameem, owned by Al Ajban Stables, trained by Abdullah Al Hammadi and ridden by Patrick Dobbs. (Prize: AED 300,000)
Race 2 – Arabian Triple Crown R1 (1,600m)
Amer Burn, owned by Ahmed Yousef Al Areefi, trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri and ridden by Tadhg O’Shea. (Prize: AED 230,000)
Race 3 – The Purebred Pride Handicap (2,200m)
AlShaheen, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, trained by A Gammell and ridden by Sam Hitchcott. (Prize: AED 66,000)
Race 4 – Alanudd Classic (2,200m)
Joe Star, owned by Mohammed Abdullah Abdul Rahman, trained by Hamad Al Marar and ridden by Bernardo Pinheiro. (Prize: AED 1 million)
Race 5 – The Royal Turf Crown (2,200m)
Aablan, owned by Al Rub Racing, trained by Simon & Ed Crisford and ridden by Ross Coakley. (Prize: AED 66,000)
Race 6 – Abu Dhabi Championship (2,400m)
Royal Power, representing Godolphin, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick. (Prize: AED 380,000)
An Evening Of Sport & Celebration
The evening extended well beyond the final race. Live performances took place across the venue, including a jazz band and acrobatic acts that added energy throughout the night.
There was also a Best Dressed competition, family-friendly activations and interactive on-ground experiences that kept guests engaged from start to finish.
Celebrations continued with an after-party headlined by DJ Bliss, bringing the perfect close to a night that blended elite sport, entertainment and lifestyle in one seamless experience.
