Bernardini, Henny Hughes are retired

Beaten favorites in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Sprint, 3-year-olds Bernardini and Henny Hughes have been retired and will begin stud careers in 2007 at Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Ky.

Owned by Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley Stable, Bernardini, a son of A.P. Indy, cost himself a horse-of-the-year title when he lost by a length to Invasor, who all but clinched the honor, in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Still a strong contender -- along with Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro -- for 3-year-old honors, Bernardini finished his career with six wins in eight starts and earnings of $3,060,480. His stakes wins included the Preakness, Withers, Jim Dandy, Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup. His stud fee will be $100,000.

A son of Hennessy, Henny Hughes ran his worst race on racing’s biggest day. Troubled at the start when favored in the Sprint, he finished last in a race dominated by longshot Thor’s Echo.

Owned by Sheik Mohammed’s son’s stable, Sheikh Rashid’s Zabeel Racing International, Henny Hughes won six of 10 and earned more than $1.1 million. The Breeders’ Cup Sprint was the only time he was worse than second. He will stand for $40,000.