Thakif, ridden by Harry Bentley for trainer Majed Al Jahouri, landed the Dh3 million 2200m Group 1 HH The President Cup at Abu Dhabi on Sunday night.

Always close to the pace, Bentley sent his mount on early in the straight and the pair were  likely to win from that moment – though they only had a short head to spare at the line from Abu Albayd.

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Bentley said: “I won the National Day Cup over 1600m on this horse and have twice won over a 1000m on him.

“He is just so versatile although, saying that, two years ago he was far too headstrong to try over this far. He has matured and is far easier to settle now.”

Ertijaal and Royston Ffrench landed the Thoroughbred equivalent, a Listed race over 1400m, but only just. The horse was clear with 200m to go but, with the pack closing, the line only just appeared in time with Johann Strauss flying home under Pat Dobbs for South African Mike De Kock.

French said: “When we crossed the line I was not sure – the De Kock horse was really finishing fast.”