Shakhboot crowns Abu Dhabi Gold Cup winner, Moreira seals Kentucky Derby spot

Japan’s rising influence on the global racing scene was underlined once again as Strauss won the inaugural $1 million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup.

Trained by Ryo Takei, the five-year-old son of six-time Group 1 hero Maurice produced a perfectly judged performance.

Under Brazilian jockey Joao Moreira, Strauss settled with patience and unleashed at exactly the right moment.

With this win, Moreira secured the $1million prize purse, positioning the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup among one the most valuable Listed Thoroughbred races worldwide.

The victory also earned Moreira an automatic qualification to compete in the $1 million G1 1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day in the US.

Finishing second, one length behind, was Dark Trooper, owned by Wathnan Racing, trained by Alban de Mieulle, and ridden by James Doyle, while Comanche Brave, owned by John Magnier and ridden by Ryan Moore, claimed third place.

Takei praised Abu Dhabi’s development, noting that seeing the city first hand exceeded expectations.

He added that the barrier draw benefited the winning horse by avoiding congestion at the start, allowing jockey Moreira to execute the race strategy effectively.

Moreira confirmed that while the horse was initially unsettled at the start, he quickly settled into rhythm, enabling a decisive move into open space at the perfect moment to secure victory.

Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi, Chairman of Federal Protocol and Strategic Narrative Authority and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, and Reem Mubarak Al Buwainain, Vice President – Corporate and Community Responsibility at ADNOC, have crowned Japanese contender Strauss, owned by Carrot Farm Ltd.

The landmark event was also attended by Dr. Ali Hamad Al Dhaheri, Director of the Office of the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary General of UAE Media Council; Ali Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Racing Club; Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi as Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Foundation; alongside senior officials, international racing figures, owners, trainers and industry stakeholders from around the world, underscoring Abu Dhabi Gold Cup’s status as a major new fixture on the international racing calendar.

Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi Turf Club, and President of the Organising Committee, said: “The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup delivered an exceptional level of competition, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position on the international racing stage and raising the benchmark for elite Thoroughbred racing in the region.

“Welcoming world-class jockeys and horses from across the globe, the event reflected the emirate’s continued growth as a premier destination for major international sporting events. We congratulate the champions and commend all participants for their outstanding performances.”

The race programme also featured several prestigious supporting contests, including the Group 1 Alanudd Classic and the first leg of the Arabian Triple Crown with a combined prize value of Dhs5.7 million, highlighting Abu Dhabi Turf Club’s continued commitment to both Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian racing.

Proceedings opened with Hameem securing victory in the Liwa Oasis over 1,400m for Al Ajban Stables, with Patrick Dobbs in the saddle.

The Arabian Triple Crown began in style as Amer Burn captured the opening leg over 1,600m, delivering success for owner Ahmed Yousef Al Areefi under the guidance of trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri and jockey Tadhg O’Shea. Over 2,200m, AlShaheen prevailed in The Purebred Pride Handicap, while the feature event, the Alanudd Classic, saw Joe Star claim an impressive win.

The staying theme continued as Aablan took The Royal Turf Crown, before the meeting concluded with a strong performance from Royal Power, representing Godolphin, who dominated the Abu Dhabi Championship over 2,400m, ridden by William Buick and trained by Charlie Appleby.

Dayle Brown, Racecourse Director at Abu Dhabi Turf Club, said: “Racing has always played a central role in Abu Dhabi’s sporting identity, and initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup demonstrate how the sector continues to evolve on an international scale. The race not only showcased top-level competition but also supported the broader racing ecosystem, from owners and trainers to breeders and fans, while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision as a global hub for elite equestrian sport.”