Bernardini’s dam Cara Rafaela dies

2006 Broodmare of the Year euthanized at age 23
Bernardini

Godolphin broodmare Cara Rafaela, dam of Darley stallion Bernardini, has been euthanized due to the infirmities of old age.

Winner of the 1995 G1 Hollywood Starlet for her breeder Goncalo Borges Torrealba, Cara Rafeala was purchased privately by Sheikh Mohammed in 2002 while carrying Bernardini.  Bernardini would go on to become one of Sheikh Mohammed’s most successful runners, winning the 2006 Preakness, Jim Dandy, Travers, and Jockey Club Gold Cup en route to an Eclipse Award as Champion Three-Year-Old Colt.  Bernardini’s accomplishments led to Cara Rafaela being named the 2006 Broodmare of the Year.

Pensioned in 2014, Cara Rafaela had been living out her retirement at Sheikh Mohammed’s Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, Kentucky.

Cara Rafaela with her 2006 Storm Cat filly, Burgundy Ice