Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) runner-up HENNY HUGHES (Hennessy) has been
transferred to the barn of Saaed bin Suroor and will train this winter in Dubai,
with an eye on the Kentucky Derby (G1). Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who took over
the training of Henny Hughes prior to the Breeders’ Cup, said Henny Hughes is
currently in quarantine at Payson Park in Florida and will be sent shortly to
Dubai, where he will become a member of the Godolphin stable.
Henny Hughes was purchased by Sheikh Rajid bin Mohammed al Maktoum, who
bought the two-year-old for $4.3 million prior to his win in the Saratoga
Special S. (G2). He remained with trainer Patrick Biancone until being turned
over to McLaughlin before the Breeders’ Cup. After winning the Saratoga Special,
Henny Hughes finished second in three straight Grade 1 races — the Hopeful S.,
Champagne S. and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
“I thought I might get to keep him because he’s a future stallion and if he
stayed here there were some very valuable and important stakes for him,”
McLaughlin said. “I was happy to have had him for 30 days and get to run him in
the Breeders’ Cup. I hope that he does win the Kentucky Derby because the
Maktoum family has spent a lot of money and tried very hard to win the Kentucky
Derby. They deserve it.”