E-Paper
Sign In
‘Magic Man’ Moreira casts his spell as Japan claims $1m Abu Dhabi Gold Cup
Strauss’ victory was a landmark moment as he became the first Japanese runner to compete in Abu Dhabi and the first to win, achieved on debut under Joel ‘Magic Man’ Moreira
- PUBLISHED: Tue 10 Feb 2026, 12:34 AM
Japan’s growing dominance on the international stage has sent another clear message as Strauss, a five-year-old bred in Japan, captured the inaugural $1 million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup in emphatic style.
Coming just six weeks before a formidable Japanese raiding party, led by Saudi Cup and Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Forever Young, land in Dubai for the 30th Dubai World Cup meeting, this was no isolated success, but further evidence of the depth and quality defining the Asian racing superpower.
Recommended For You
Strauss’ victory was a landmark moment as he became the first Japanese runner to compete in Abu Dhabi and the first to win, achieved on debut under a superstar Brazilian jockey, Joel ‘Magic Man’ Moreira, riding in the Emirate for the first time.
Trained by Ryo Takei, who represents the new, internationally minded generation emerging from the Japanese training ranks, the five-year-old son of six-time Group 1 winning sensation, Maurice produced a performance built on exquisite timing. to defeat his star-studded rivals.
Wathnan Racing’s Dark Trooper finished strongly for second, with Comanche Brave third for Irish handler Donnacha O’Brien. Favourite Quddwah could manage only fourth for Simon & Ed Crisford,
Moreira was quick to credit both horse and trainer and described Strauss as a “very nice horse” and praised the preparation that brought him to peak condition for the occasion, adding that once he angled him into daylight, “he went whoosh.”
Takei, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of securing Moreira for the ride, calling him one of the few jockeys capable of elevating a horse on the biggest stage.
Beyond the silverware, Strauss’ victory carries wider implications. It secures him a berth in the Grade 1 Turf Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs, and reinforces a growing truth that when Japanese horses travel, they arrive ready to win.
