A cracking card at Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening was highlighted by the 1,600m National Day Cups, one for Thoroughbreds and the equivalent for Purebred Arabians.

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–Al Jahour seeking a third consecutive victory with Areem 

Both heats featured the winner from 12 months ago, but neither were able to repeat that success. The Group One Purebred Arabian version featured Areem seeking to become the third horse in history to win the race in three consecutive years.

However, Areem, under Silvestre De Sousa, had no answer to the late challenge of stable companion Thakif, under Harry Bentley.

Both are trained by Majed Al Jahouri for Sheikh Mansour.

Bentley said: “I have been very, very lucky on this horse and we have won several big races at a variety of trips.

Nawwaar was expected to defend his crown in the Thoroughbred equivalent. However, the Ali Rashid Al Raihe-trainee looked vulnerable 300m from home.

Nine Realms, having only his third start locally and second for trainer Satish Seemar, swept to the lead under stable jockey Richard Mullen to cross the finish line.

Mullen said: “To be honest, I have not had a lot to do with this horse at home – so full credit to the whole team.”

Mullen completed a treble having earlier landed the first two races on the card for trainer Jaber Bittar.

They made the best possible start to the evening with Sataar Al Reef when opening his account in a 1,600m conditions race.

He is owned by Al Aljban Stables as is Sharaf Al Reef, who completed a quick double for connection 30 minutes later.

The other two races on the card, a 1,400m maiden and a 1,000m handicap, were won by debutant Boss Des Vialettes and Najem S’Heel respectively.

Both are trained by Saifaldin Deeb and were ridden by former Godolphin employee Silvestre De Sousa.