It was a race the first and second dominated throughout, with Goliath and Christophe Soumillon leading until Deep Monster took his measure a furlong out. Race favourite Byzantine Dream was held up by Cristian Demuro but failed to menace. Strauss gave Japan its first winner in Abu Dhabi when claiming the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup the previous Saturday, and this triumph proved once again what a threat Japan is on the global sceneWinning trainer Yasutoshi Ikee said: “His condition was perfect and Tom rode the perfect race. I’m so proud because my father trained Deep Impact and it was always my dream to win a big race overseas with a son of that great horse. It was the concluding leg of a double for the French jockey who said: “That was amazing, the horse was in tremendous shape.

Source: Express February 14, 2026 15:35 UTC