Thakif, owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was once again on target when winning the Dh 3 million Group 1 HH The President Cup for Purebred Arabian horses at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club racecourse on Sunday, 14 February. In last year's running, Thakif and Bentley had crossed the line first in the HH President's Cup chased home by Abu Alabyad but Thakif subsequently lost the race with Abu Alabyad promoted to first following a Stewards' inquiry.

History repeated on Sunday evening in the UAE capital when the Nacer Samiri-trained Thakif held off his old rival to win the 2016 renewal by half a length providing his owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan with a third win in the race in four years. Drawn 14 in a full field of 16, Bentley was soon able to get a good position in behind the early frantic speed, first with Namrood and then Shaheer, stable companions of Abu Alabyad, setting a searing gallop.

The eight-year-old was poised just behind the pace before the turn then 400 metres out he turned on the burners which opened a large gap on his rivals.

Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) said that they had over 500 guests from all over the world and with a large local band of fans at the ADEC racecourse, it was a great race meeting and the Purebred Arabian horses unleashed exciting runs.