Strauss Earns Landmark Victory in Abu Dhabi Gold Cup

Japanese runner Strauss (JPN) delivered a landmark victory at the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Feb. 7 under jockey Joao Moreira and for trainer Ryo Takei. The success marked a series of notable firsts as Strauss became the first Japanese horse ever to compete in Abu Dhabi—and then first to win—while Moreira also enjoyed a successful debut in the Emirate. The inaugural running of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup was a true spectacle of world-class racing. At $1 million the listed contest offered the largest purse ever in the Emirate and the 1-mile turf race saw a fitting conclusion to a spectacular evening of racing. Starting from stall 10, Strauss raced in midfield for the first half of the race, with Brazilian jockey Moreira—nicknamed the "Magic Man"—taking advantage of his draw to take an inside line. He picked up the pace coming into the home straight to take the lead over 1 furlong out, and despite pressure from his rivals, the 5-year-old son of Maurice (JPN) held on bravely to the finish to win by a length. "He is such a nice horse. The trainer has done an amazing job to get him here in great shape," Moreira said. "The track here at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club is one of the best in the world. It's very flat and very fair. If you're on a good horse, you can win here—I was lucky to be on a very good horse tonight. When I pulled him out in the straight, he went whoosh!" "It's an honor to be here. I studied the Abu Dhabi track on YouTube and thought it would suit Strauss," winning trainer Takei said. "However, to be honest, it didn't turn out as I thought as I actually wanted a wider draw. He gets really keen in the race so running on the outside would have been favorable for him, but today he was on the rail, however Joao gave him an amazing ride, we're really thankful for Joao and how he rode Strauss today. "We came here because Joao would be able to ride him—he's one of the best jockeys in the world, he can teach horses how to run, and today he showed that with Strauss." Qatari raider Dark Trooper (IRE) came from behind with a strong finish to place second for trainer Alban de Mieulle, with Comanche Brave (IRE) taking third for Irish trainer Donnacha O'Brien. Favored runner Quddwah (GB), winner of the Zabeel Mile (G2T) at Meydan Racecourse last month, could only finish fourth for British trainers Simon and Ed Crisford. Strauss' victory secured him a guaranteed place in the $1 million Turf Classic Stakes (G1T) on the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G2) undercard at Churchill Downs.