Racing in the Middle East is not just growing, but surging. Further proof arrives this week with the inaugural running of the US$1 million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, a race that will draw a field full of depth and quality of international talent rarely seen at this time of year. From its very first edition, this contest announces itself as a major new pillar on the global racing calendar.
Headlining a stellar field are two familiar names to UAE racegoers: Maljoom, now trained by Michael Costa, and Quddwah, representing the powerful Simon & Ed Crisford operation. Both horses have made an immediate impact since relocating from Europe, quickly becoming flagbearers for the quality and ambition of racing in the region.
For Maljoom, the Gold Cup marks the launch of his 2026 campaign and what a stage to begin on. He heads down the highway to Abu Dhabi just months after a courageous third in the Group 1 Dubai Turf, where he charged home late behind global heavyweights Romantic Warrior and Soul Rush. Formerly trained by William Haggas, Maljoom now joins Michael Costa, a stable renowned for delivering on racing’s biggest occasions. Carrying the famous colours of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, bringing success and expectation that come with them. The colours have become synonymous with elite racing in Abu Dhabi and beyond, and once again they will be central to calculations for anyone assessing this race.
Sharing those colours is Quddwah, a colt who has already shown this season that he belongs at the very top. His victory in the Group 2 Zabeel Mile on debut in the region was nothing short of electric, an emphatic statement of intent. The Crisfords knew they had a serious horse when he consistently held his own against Europe’s best across the UK and France, and that belief has been swiftly vindicated on UAE soil.
The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup now brings it all together. Stars from Japan, leading contenders from Europe, and the very best of the Middle East will clash on a stage befitting their talent. It is a powerful showcase, not just for these two outstanding horses, but for Abu Dhabi Racing as a whole, as the meeting is broadcast to the world and the region’s strength in depth shines firmly in the spotlight. Pat Comerford speaks with two of the principal contenders ahead of this world-class contest, as the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup positions itself to take UAE racing to the next level and announces Abu Dhabi as an unmissable destination for the global racing audience.
