AGE: 5
COLOR: Bay
SIRE: Nicconi (Bianconi)
DAM: Alqwah (Danehill)
COUNTRIES TRAINED: Australia, UAE
TRAINER: David Hayes & Ben Hayes
OWNER: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
BREEDER: Shadwell Stud Australasia Ltd (AUS)
MEYDAN RECORD: 2-1-1-0
CAREER RECORD: 23-5-6-2
EARNINGS: US$506,960
NEXT RACE: Al Quoz Sprint (G1) (31st March)
HIGHLIGHTS: One of the top sprinters in Australia. Hails from one of the country’s premier yards. A valiant sixth, beaten only two lengths, in the Moir Stakes (G1) in September in his last try at the top level. Won two Group 2 events, including the Bobby Lewis Quality and Euclase Stakes. Has faced some of the best turf sprinters in the world, including Viddora, Vega Magic, Hey Doc, Black Heart Bart and Extreme Choice, in multiple Group 1 events. In one of his top performances, he was second, defeating Extreme Choice (3rd), in the Oakleigh Plate (G1) in February 2017. Rated 113
BACKGROUND: Faatinah has quickly developed a following in the United Arab Emirates, building on the already existing one he had in his home country of Australia. Trained by the Lindsay Park Racing’s David and Ben Hayes, the leggy son of Nicconi burst onto the local scene with an impressive victory over the classy Baccarat on January 18th under his owner’s top jockey, Jim Crowley. He returned to reignite that rivalry when second to said Godolphin-owned foe in the Azizi Riviera Handicap on February 17th. Now, the bay gelding has his connections hoping he earns a spot in the gate for the Al Quoz Sprint sponsored by Azizi Developments (G1) on March 31st. He would be one of at least two for his ownership, who also owns Meydan Sprint (G2) winner Ertijaal.
PERSONALITY: “He’s very clever. He’s a horse who knows his routine and when you take him out of it, he can get grumpy. He definitely knows the schedule; sometimes better than we do. Other than that, he’s a gentleman and is a very kind horse. He’s very calm and can be easy to train. He’s happy right now and we are hoping to get into the Al Quoz Sprint. He’s been spot-on and is a strong horse who runs well when he’s fresh.” – Ben Hayes
STRENGTHS: “He’s a smart horse who is really good mover with a huge, long stride, which is very rare for a sprinter. He’s also a very sound horse and is a pleasure to train. He has an immense amount of talent and puts himself into the race with a very nice rhythm. He’s also quite a nice ride. He loves the fast tracks and has adapted well to Dubai. He is hydrated and happy and hasn’t put a bad foot down since he got here.” – Ben Hayes
