His sire Double Form was the leading British sprinter of 1979 when his wins included the King's Stand Stakes, Haydock Sprint Cup and Prix de l'Abbaye.
Huntingdale was the second foal of Abbeydale, a high-class racemare who finished second in the 1000 Guineas and, as a descendant of mare Red Winter was related to Master Willie.
The sale was cancelled when a veterinary examination revealed problems with the colt's breathing, but Hindley re-purchased him in a private deal with the breeder.
Huntingdale made "relentless headway" to overtake Sure Blade and Nomination inside the final furlong and hold the late challenge of Bakharoff to win by three-quarters of a length.
He did not have a trial race,[6] making his seasonal debut in the Guineas on 3 May 1986 over Newmarket's Rowley Mile course and starting second favourite at odds of 6/1.
[7] Two weeks later, Huntingdale started the 7/2 favourite for the Irish 2,000 Guineas on heavy ground at the Curragh but faded in the closing stages and finished fourth of the six runners behind Flash of Steel.
Prior to the race, Huntingdale had been supported in the betting for the Derby, but following his defeat he was no longer considered as a serious contender for the Epsom classic.
[9] Huntingdale retired from racing to become a breeding stallion at the Loughtown Stud in County Kildare at an initial fee of 3,000 Irish guineas.