unfuwain was a strongly-built, 16.1 hand bay horse, bred in kentucky by his owner hamdan al maktoum. he was one of the last important winners sired by northern dancer. as a son of the mare height of fashion, he was a half-brother to several important winners including the derby winner nashwan and the multiple group one winner nayef. he went into training with dick hern at west ilsley and was ridden in all but one of his starts by the stable jockey willie carson.