Major wins: Jockey Club Gold Cup (2006), Withers Stakes (2006), Jim Dandy Stakes (2006), Travers Stakes (2006) Preakness Stakes (2006)

Awards: U.S. Champion 3-Yr-Old Colt (2006), Co-World Champion 3-Year-Old (2006)

Post Career: After retiring from racing, Bernardini stood at stud at Darley Stud in Lexington, Kentucky. He has sired numerous stakes winners, notable offspring include Stay Thirsty, Cappuccino Bay, and Cavorting. Euthanized July 30, 2021 due to complications from laminitis.

March 23 - Bernardini

A bit of horse racing history and trivia; these maroon silks were the silks worn by Sheikh Mohammed's Darley USA's horses. At the same time, his other horses around the world wore the royal blue silks. Today all his horses around the world wear the same blue silks. Hold that thought - unless you're wondering why.

Did you know that when Sheikh Mohammed bought Jonabell Farm in Lexington there was one caveat to the deal. Sheikh Mohammed would continue with the farm name until the owner John Bell passed away. The farm was called Darley at Jonabell. After John Bell passed away the farm became Darley.

I can't say with 100% accuracy, but it was about the same time that these maroon silks were retired, and blue silks started being worn in the USA. Is there a connection? Maybe.

Now, here's another little tidbit. The powers that be at Pimlico misspelled Bernardini's name on the saddle cloth. As the artist, I had to decide if it was more important to be historically accurate or fix somebody's gaff. So, the second “R” was added and just like that Bernadini became Bernardini. You're welcome whoever you are.