$1million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, a Listed Thoroughbred race, raises the bar

Abu Dhabi Turf Club (ADTC) is proud to announce the upcoming Abu Dhabi Gold Cup on February 7, 2026.

While the Gold Cup is a permanent fixture of the club’s seasonal calendar, this year marks a defining milestone as the event introduces a new world-class Listed Thoroughbred race.

This development signifies the first time Abu Dhabi has entered the international Thoroughbred market at this level of global exposure. The landmark race of the day is the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, a Thoroughbred Listed race featuring a prestigious $1,000,000 prize purse, making it one of the world’s most valuable Listed Thoroughbred races.

The feature race has attracted a high-calibre field of international contenders, including Strauss, trained by Ryo Takei; Witness Stand, under the guidance of Dr. Richard Newland and Jamie Insole; Holloway Boy, trained by Karl Burke; Quddwah, prepared by Simon and Ed Crisford; Comanche Brave, trained by Donnacha O’Brien; Maljoom, under Michael Costa; and Jonquil, trained by Andrew Balding.

The winner of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup will receive a $1,000,000 share of the total purse and secure an automatic berth to the $1 million Grade 1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, further reinforcing the race’s international significance.

Demonstrating a long-term commitment to the sport, Abu Dhabi Turf Club and Adnoc have signed a strategic three-year partnership, naming Adnoc as the official sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup for three consecutive editions from 2026 to 2028, and Presenting Partner of race 7, the $1 million race.

Etihad also joins as official sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup 2026 and serves as the Presenting Partner of race 1.

Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi Turf Club and President of the Organising Committee, commented: "The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup is a testament to the emirate’s evolution as a world-class sporting destination. By introducing a million-dollar Listed Thoroughbred race to our historic program, we are creating a global platform that merges our deep-rooted equestrian traditions with international excellence. This event offers an unparalleled experience where elite sport meets premium lifestyle, and we are proud to welcome the world to witness this new chapter in Abu Dhabi's racing legacy."

The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup is open to elite performers, with eligibility restricted to horses rated 95 and above. The race is open to Thoroughbreds aged four and above, as well as three-year-olds, with a 2kg allowance for fillies and mares, ensuring a highly competitive field. The supporting seven-race program brings together elite Thoroughbreds and Arabian Purebreds, bridging the UAE’s rich equestrian heritage with its ambitions on the global racing The supporting races feature an exciting lineup, including the Group 1 Alanudd Classic over 2,200 meters, the Group 2 Liwa Oasis Stakes at 1,400 meters, and the first leg of the Listed Arabian Triple Crown for four-year-old Arabian Purebreds over 1,600 meters. Also on the card are the Listed Abu Dhabi Thoroughbred Championship at 2,400 meters, a 2,200-meter Thoroughbred handicap, and a dedicated Arabian Purebred handicap, promising a full day of competitive racing.

 The winner of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup will be presented with a bespoke trophy created by Garrard, the world’s oldest jeweler and a heritage British brand renowned for crafting some of the world’s most iconic sporting trophies. Designed exclusively for the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, the trophy draws inspiration from Emirati heritage, incorporating Ghaf tree motifs, traditional Al Sadu patterns, and equestrian symbolism.

More than a prize, the trophy stands as a powerful symbol of prestige, craftsmanship, and legacy, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to establish a new global icon on the international racing stage.