Strauss hits Abu Dhabi rivals for six
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 7 Feb 2026
Japan once again advertised their quality on the world stage when Strauss won the inaugural running of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup.
Trained by Ryo Takei, the five-year-old was last seen running in Australia but connections had explained in the build up to the race that was to enable jockey Joao Moreira to get to know him ahead of this contest and it paid off.
Known as the ‘Magic Man’, Moreira was in the perfect position throughout and when a gap appeared just off the rail after the turn into the straight, he did not need a second invitation.
Strauss quickened up impressively and was able to hold off the late run of James Doyle on Dark Trooper by a length, with Donnacha O’Brien’s Comanche Brave just behind in third and Simon and Ed Crisford’s Quddwah in fourth. Andrew Balding’s Jonquil finished just out of the places with Witness Stand withdrawn at the start.
The winner was sent off a 7-2 chance on track. UAE residents can bet at terminals on course, unlike in Meydan. They can also place bets on overseas racing.
Joao Moreira excelled on Strauss (Neil Morrice/PA)
“He’s such a nice horse he wasn’t able to give the best of himself a month ago but today he could,” said Moreira.
“In Australia he didn’t jump out of the gate very quickly but today he did. He was always travelling strongly and when I pulled him out he went whoosh. He was in such great form today.
“I can’t believe this was going to happen in a place I’ve never ridden before, it’s made me extremely happy.”
Takei said: “He gets really keen but today he was boxed in on the rail and Joao did an amazing job. I had watched videos of racing on this track and thought it was a great opportunity for my horse.
“We will take him back to Japan and maybe think about a World Cup race next year. He’s earned a shot at a race at Churchill Downs in May and that is an option.”
Strauss looking very pleased with himself (Neil Morrice/PA)
Doyle said of the runner-up: “He won his prep race here but was posted out in 16. He’s never had much luck with the draw but has done an incredible job to overcome that tonight.”
Ryan Moore was on Comanche Brave and said: “He ran super, I’m very happy with him.”
Ed Crisford said of Quddwah: “He ran well from his draw (14). It was a bit of a cluster but he came into it lively but then couldn’t pick up. As long as he’s OK he will head to Super Saturday.”
Assistant trainer Anna Lisa Balding feels Jonquil now needs further than a mile.
She said: “I think coming into it we suspected the trip was a little on the short side, and from the draw we had to make plenty of use of him. We would hope to see him over 10 furlongs in a race on grass after we get him home.”
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