More Stakes Success for Nicconi’s Faatinah

Tara Madgwick - Friday March 13

Nature Strip might be the flagship sprinter for his sire Nicconi, but evergreen seven year-old Faatinah still has plenty more to give judging by his all the way win in the Listed MVRC Ranvet Abell Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Faatinah winning the G2 McEwen Stakes last year - image Grant CourtneyFoaled and raised at Yarraman Park for Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Stud, Faatinah is always a good horse fresh and appreciated a drop in grade at his second run back from a spell after a below par run in the Group I MRC Oakleigh Plate.

Trained by the Hayes / Dabernig partnership at Lindsay Park, Faatinah led all the way from gate one and was never in danger, coasting clear under Damien Oliver for an easy two length win.

“He was able to dictate the tempo and he loves this track, so he won well,” said Damien Oliver.

Faatinah has the overall record of nine wins and 10 placings from 40 starts with prizemoney topping $1.3 million.

“He’s an old warrior for the yard and he’s my favourite horse as I’ve taken him to Dubai twice and he’s won both times,” said a very happy Ben Hayes.

“He’s a rhythm horse and he just got into that rhythm tonight.”

A two time Group II winner previously, Faatinah is a half-brother to stakes-placed Jalsah and is the best of five winners from imported Danehill mare Alqwah (IRE), who comes from the family of NZ Horse of the Year King’s Chapel.


Alqwah has a yearling colt by Faatinah’s sire Nicconi, who has been enjoying a strong sales season with 15 yearlings selling on 2020 for $100,000 or more.

 

Advertisment

Race Result - Ranvet Abell Stakes LR 1200m

Moonee Valley Track: Good(4) Time: 1:10.69
1
Faatinah
- 7g Nicconi (AUS) x Alqwah (IRE) (Danehill (USA))
Tnr: D & B Hayes & T Dabernig Rdr: D Oliver 59.5
Nicconi
2
2.3
Gift Of Power
- 5m Power (GB) x Capital Diamond (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn (AUS))
Tnr: Anthony Freedman Rdr: Damian Lane 54
3
2.4
Dr Drill
- 5g Dansili (GB) x Pongee (GB) (Barathea (IRE))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: M Zahra 57.5
4
3.8
Mystyko
- 6g Sakhee's Secret (GB) x Plan The Peace (NZ) (I Conquer (NZ))
Tnr: T Rogers Rdr: Craig Williams 54.5
5
5.1
Cliff's Edge
- 5h Canford Cliffs (IRE) x Simulation (AUS) (Snaadee (USA))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: John Allen 60
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Saturday June 28
Here is the full list of 109 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Miss Joelene Achieves Millionaire Status
This time last year, Miss Joelene was highlighting herself as one to watch for the future, having placed in the Group 2 The Roses and the Group 1 Queensland Oaks, and after a few runs behind the outstanding Antino (Redwood) this time in, a class drop on Saturday saw her record victory in the $200,000 Listed BRC Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2100m) at Eagle Farm.
Promising 2YOs for Pike
Tony Pike found it difficult to split his juvenile charges the last time they took each other on and it’s the same story at Ruakaka.
Wootton Bassett Winning Whirl
It was a red letter day for Wootton Bassett (GB) at The Curragh overnight with a treble of winners highlighted by top class filly Whirl, who captured the Group I Pretty Polly Stakes (1m2f), a race won by the mighty Via Sistina in 2023.
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
Sires With Winners - Friday June 27
Here is the full list of 48 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Red Right Out Wins MM Queensland Qualifier
The 2026 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping will feature the third annual Queensland Off-The-Track Cup (QOTT) final on Sunday, 11 January 2026 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast. 
Cambridge Stud to Sell Entire Draft at Karaka 2026
Leading thoroughbred nursery Cambridge Stud have committed their full support for NZB’s 2026 National Yearling Sales Series, with the announcement they will be selling 100% of their yearling stock at Karaka. 
Private Eye’s Half-Brother King’s Secret Wins Again
Although he may never reach the heights of his older half-brother Private Eye, a Group 1 winner and earner of more than $12m to date, connections of King’s Secret (Shalaa) are sure to have plenty of their own fun with the 3yo gelding winning at Rosehill on Saturday.
Almanzor Stayer wins G3 Tattersalls Cup
It's been a long time since the  2022 Victoria Derby and some may have wondered whether the winner Manzoice was ever going to win again!