Star-Studded Contenders Revealed For Inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup

The Abu Dhabi Turf Club has announced a high-class field of international entries likely to line up for the inaugural USD 1 million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup powered by ADNOC, set to be run over a turf mile (1600 metres) at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club Racecourse on Saturday 7 February 2026. The race will be the most valuable ever held in Abu Dhabi, reflecting its significance on the international Thoroughbred racing calendar.

With elite performers from Europe, Japan, and the GCC featuring among those entered at this early stage, the provisional runners underline the global ambition behind the race, with the final field to be confirmed following the official acceptance and declaration stages. 

Among the notable entries is the 118-rated Maljoom (IRE), who will be resuming his 2026 campaign in this race, having finished third in the G1 Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World on Super Saturday of the Dubai Racing Carnival last time out. Formerly trained by William Haggas, it will be the seven-year-old’s first start for Dubai-based trainer Michael Costa. 

Also entered is Jonquil (GB), trained by Andrew Balding, a 115-rated miler who has already proven himself at Group level in Great Britain. A winner of both the Group 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood and the Group 3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury, the three-year-old colt has notable form in Group 1 company and brings a strong mile pedigree and top-level experience to the entries. 

On Jonquil’s preparations ahead of travelling to Abu Dhabi, Balding said: “We’ve been very happy with him. He obviously had quite a busy season last year culminating in a trip to California for the Breeders’ Cup. He’s had a short break after that, and we started preparations at Christmas time looking to get him ready for this race. We feel that his fitness levels are good, we’re very happy with the way he seems at home, and I hope he travels well and can take his best form to Abu Dhabi.”

Witness Stand (GB), trained by Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, heads to Abu Dhabi on an equal rating to his British rival Jonquil. A seasoned performer with Group 1 experience in Great Britain and France, the gelding will be stepping back up in trip having been seen last time out in the Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes over six furlongs in the autumn. 

The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Quddwah (GB) - pictured below - is already a winner in 2026, having taken the Group 2 Zabeel Mile at Meydan earlier this month, finishing just over a length ahead of Aomori City (FR) in second, who could also line up in Abu Dhabi for Charlie Appleby under the saddle of William Buick. 

On Quddwah’s chances, and the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup powered by ADNOC, Ed Crisford said: “We’ve been very happy with him since his win in the Zabeel Mile at Meydan in early January. He’s been training super well into this Abu Dhabi race. I think it’s really great to be part of this new race with such great prize money. It will be a high-quality field, but I think he deserves to be in the race, and he’ll go in with every chance. As I said, really happy with the horse, he’s progressing nicely, and I expect to see a big run from him.”

Ireland is represented by Comanche Brave (IRE), a son of the late Wootton Bassett. Trained by Donnacha O’Brien and set to be ridden by Ryan Moore, the four-year-old colt enjoyed a progressive 2025 campaign, culminating in a third-place finish in the Group 2 Solonaway Stakes at Leopardstown.

Dark Trooper (QAT), trained by Alban De Mieulle, and owned by Wathnan Racing, will be representing Qatar. Most recently, the six-year-old gelding claimed the prestigious HH The President Cup at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club in December 2025 and will be looking to continue his winning form at the world-class venue. 

Commenting on Dark Trooper, De Mieulle said: “It's great for all the team to have contenders in big international races. Dark Trooper is one of the stable's favourites, and he's given us so much fun in both victory and even in defeat. His second place at Royal Ascot was so nearly a great day, but he did everything he could! This is a lot closer to home but promises to be a tough challenge. He is a very talented horse, and we'll be hoping for the best.”

Travelling from Japan is Strauss (JPN), the five-year-old son of star Japanese miler Maurice. Trained by Ryo Takei, Joao Moreira is set to take the ride, having previously ridden the stallion in Australia last time out. The Brazilian jockey, nicknamed “Magic Man”, adds further international prowess to the race, which is setting up to be a high-quality spectacle.

His Excellency 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 powered by ADNOC 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."

Race Director, Dayle Brown, added: “The inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup powered by ADNOC is a significant moment for the Abu Dhabi Turf Club and for international racing. With a USD 1 million purse and a high-class field of international entries likely to line up, the race day also includes an outstanding race card with top level purebred Arabian racing with the running of the Group 1 Alanudd Classic. The Abu Dhabi Turf club has a rich tradition of purebred Arabian racing and this event reflects our long-term vision to establish Abu Dhabi as a destination for elite Thoroughbred racing, whilst also highlighting top level purebred Arabian racing.”

The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup powered by ADNOC will headline a prestigious racecard, featuring Group and Listed contests for both Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians, reinforcing the Abu Dhabi Turf Club’s growing prominence on the global racing calendar. 

The seven-race programme will open with four Purebred Arabian races, including the Group 2 Liwa Oasis presented by Etihad, which will be run over seven furlongs (1400 meters), and the USD 1 million Group 1 Alanudd Classic over 11 furlongs (2200 meters). The final three races will be for Thoroughbreds, starting with The Royal Turf Crown, a handicap over 11 furlongs, before the Listed 12-furlong (2400 meters) Abu Dhabi Championship. The day will draw to a close with the feature event of the meeting, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup powered by ADNOC, set to go off at 20:00 local time.  

Victory in the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup powered by ADNOC secures a guaranteed place in the USD 1 million Grade 1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday 2 May 2026. This international incentive further strengthens the appeal of the race, offering connections a direct pathway from Abu Dhabi to one of America’s most prestigious turf events, and reinforcing the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup powered by ADNOC’s position on the global racing calendar.