An accomplished sprinter in Australia, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’sFaatinah will be running his second race in Dubai tomorrow  for trainer David Hayes in the 1200m RivieraHandicap. The two-time Group 2 winning son of Nicconiappears ready to roll for his formidable connections.

 

Secretariat’s World interviews Ben Hayes, who shares training duties with his father at their Lindsay Park yard in Euroa, Victoria.

 

Q - Faatinah won Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi World Class Healthcare Cup (2018), holding his own against seasoned Baccarat to win. How is he doing currently? What are your ambitions for him post this race?

 

A –I’m really pleased with his condition. He is thriving in Dubai. He is eating, drinking and doing everything he should be doing. He does really well when he is fresh. So once he has hopefully had a successful run the 1200m Riviera Handicap we plan to run him in the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint on the Dubai World Cup card.

 

Q – Could you tell us a bit more about Faatinah’s personality? What kind of a horse is he?

 

A – He is a very intelligent horse, who loves his routine. He immediately knows when his routine is changed and he will let us know he isn’t happy about it. He is a great horse to work with and has great manners.

 

Q – What is your plan of attack for the Dubai World Cup race day? Which other horses trained by you are aimed at the richest raceday in the world?

 

A – As I said earlier, Fatinaah is aimed at Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint. Our other horse, Mutamayel is being prepared to run in the Meydan Classic on 01 March. Again, if he does well on 01 March, then we would like to enter him for the Gr.2 UAE Derby.

Q – What are your thoughts about some of the other Australian horses expected for the Dubai World Cup? Are there any you are particularly concerned about?

 

A – There are a few Australian horses who have shown an interest in coming over. We would be slightly concerned for Fatinah if the Australian sprinter Haydock decided to come over.

 

Q – What are your plans for Faatinah after the Dubai season is over?

 

A – If all goes to plan, we hope to race him at Royal Ascot after winning the Al Quoz Sprint. Mutamayel on the other hand will be returning to Australia after his Dubai campaign.