Airdrie Stud reported that its upward-moving stallion Girvin, who won the 2017 Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1), died suddenly Aug. 8 at the farm near Midway, Ky. He was 12.
Airdrie's Bret Jones, who is attending the races at Saratoga Race Course this weekend, noted it's a difficult, "sudden and unexpected" loss. The cause of death is not yet known. A necropsy will be conducted.
Girvin had completed his eighth season at stud in a stallion career that began in 2019 at David O'Farrell's Ocala Stud in Florida before a move to Airdrie Stud ahead of the 2023 breeding season. His stud fee has increased from an initial $7,500 to $30,000 this year. Jones noted that he'd been filling Girvin's books and the horse had been generating a lot of attention this year behind six stakes winners, bringing his overall total to 17.
"To lose a young stallion with such incredible promise is the toughest of blows but as I told a friend this morning, so much has had to have gone right to make this loss so difficult," Jones said. "Girvin has been an absolute gift to everyone who has been associated with him."
From his first five crops of racing age, Girvin boasts 17 stakes winners including grade 1 winners Faiza and Dorth Vader, as well as grade 2 winner Damon's Mound, an eight-time stakes winner who is one of his sire's six stakes winners this year, and is Girvin's leading earner to date for the 2026 season.
On the track, Girvin, a son of Tale of Ekati , proved to be one of the top 3-year-olds of 2017 with his win in the Haskell at Monmouth Park as well as victories in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Girvin was campaigned by Brad Grady and trained by Joe Sharp.
"Girvin has been such an incredible blessing to our family," Grady said. "The memories and, even more importantly, the lifelong friendships we've made through him have gone beyond anything we could ever have imagined when we first got involved in this great sport.
"We will forever be grateful for having him be such a wonderful part of our lives."
Besides Damon's Mound, other stakes winners this season for Girvin include Ekati King (in Venezuela), Seminole Chief, Debutante Stakes winner Pierette, Tatters, and Dazzling Dame.
Jones noted the great care Girvin received in every step of his career.
"Brad and Misty Grady and their family began as our business partners and have become true friends over these last several years," Jones said. "I know how much they're hurting right now, but I also know how appreciative they are for all the wonderful memories they've made with their great horse.
"We will always be grateful for the opportunity they gave us to partner with them, just as we will be always thankful to the O'Farrell family of Ocala Stud for all of the great work they did in giving Girvin the opportunity for success that enabled him to make his way to Airdrie Stud.
"Our hearts go out to Joe Sharp and his team, as well as Cesar Rosales and German Martinez who, along with so many others, have taken such wonderful care of him during his time at our farm "
Girvin ranks in the top 50 on the general sires list and Jones said he'd been generating a lot of excitement.
"Girvin has been so good to so many, and I know the years ahead will further cement his legacy as a truly important sire and continue to reward our breeders who have supported him so strongly throughout his time at Airdrie."
