3 minute read

Former Darley shuttler succumbs to laminitis at the age of 18.

Darley has announced that Bernardini (A P Indy) has been euthanized due to complications from laminitis. 

Trained by Tom Albertrani, Bernadini was a homebred for Sheikh Mohammed who won six of his eight career starts highlighted by the Travers Stakes (Gr 1, 10f), Preakness Stakes (Gr 1, 9.5f) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (Gr 1, 10f) which saw him crowned champion three-year-old colt in the US in 2006. 

Bernardini retired to Jonabell Farm in Kentucky in 2007 and he shuttled to Australia for eight seasons between 2008 and 2015. To date he has sired 80 stakes winners, 48 Group / Graded winners and 15 Group / Grade One winners including Boban, Ruud Awakening and Go Indy Go from his Australian-bred crops. 

"Bernardini was one of a kind," said Godolphin USA director of farm operations Michael Banahan.

"From the day he was born, he exuded class. He was that crop's best foal, best yearling, and best racehorse. His brilliance was only surpassed by his wonderful character. He will be sorely missed by all on the farm but especially by his handler for the past 15 years, Philip Hampton. It was an honor to be a custodian of this classic-winning stallion whose legacy will live long as a broodmare sire."

In May, Bernardini became the youngest stallion to reach 50 stakes winners and currently has 54 stakes winners, 32 Group / Graded winners and 11 Group / Grade One winners as a broodmare sire.