The Abu Dhabi Turf Club announced Feb. 2 a high-class field of international entries likely to line up for the inaugural US$1 million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup to be run Feb. 7 over a turf mile (1,600 metres) at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club Racecourse. The race will be the most valuable ever held in Abu Dhabi.
Among the notable entries is the 118-rated Maljoom, who will start his 2026 campaign in this race, having finished third in the Dubai Turf (G1) last April on Dubai World Cup Day last time out. Formerly trained by William Haggas, it will be the 7-year-old's first start for Dubai-based trainer Michael Costa.
Also entered is Jonquil, trained by Andrew Balding, a 115-rated miler who has already proven himself at group level in Great Britain. A winner of both the Celebration Mile (G2) at Goodwood and the Greenham Stakes (G3) at Newbury, the 3-year-old colt was runner-up in last year's Poule d'Essai des Poulains (G1).
"He obviously had quite a busy season last year culminating in a trip to California for the Breeders' Cup," Balding said. "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, 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 British Champions Sprint Stakes (G1) over 6 furlongs in the autumn.
The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Quddwah is already a winner in 2026, having taken the Zabeel Mile (G2) at Meydan Racecourse in January finishing just over a length ahead of Aomori City in second, who could also line up in Abu Dhabi for Charlie Appleby under the saddle of William Buick.
On Quddwah's chances, 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. … He's progressing nicely, and I expect to see a big run from him."
Ireland is represented by Comanche Brave, a son of the late Wootton Bassett. Trained by Donnacha O'Brien and set to be ridden by Ryan Moore, the 4-year-old colt enjoyed a progressive 2025 campaign, culminating in a third-place finish in the Solonaway Stakes (G2) at Leopardstown.
Dark Trooper, trained by Alban De Mieulle, and owned by Wathnan Racing, will be representing Qatar. Most recently, the 6-year-old gelding claimed the prestigious HH The President Cup at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club in December 2025.
"It's great for all the team to have contenders in big international races," De Mieulle said. "Dark Trooper is one of the stable's favorites, 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."
Traveling from Japan is Strauss, the 5-year-old son of star Japanese miler Maurice. Trained by Ryo Takei, Joao Moreira is set to take the ride, having previously ridden the horse in Australia last time out. The Brazilian jockey, nicknamed "Magic Man," adds further international prowess to the race.
Ali Al Shaiba, director general of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi Turf Club, and president of the organizing 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 final three races in the seven-race program will be for Thoroughbreds, starting with The Royal Turf Crown, a handicap over 11 furlongs, before the listed 12-furlong (2,400 meters) Abu Dhabi Championship, and ending the day with the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup.
Victory in the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup secures a guaranteed place in the US$1 million Turf Classic Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, May 2.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
