Fast-starting freshman sire Girvin (Tale of Ekati–Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon) will relocate to Airdrie Stud for the 2023 breeding season. The 8-year-old stallion, who began his stud career at the O'Farrell family's Ocala Stud, is already the sire of 12 winners from 23 starters, including the GII Saratoga Special S. winner Damon's Mound and Astoria S. winner Devious Dame.
Girvin, who raced in the silks of Brad Grady for trainer Joe Sharp, won the 2017 GI Betfair.com Haskell Invitational, as well as that year's GII Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby and GII Risen Star S.
He retired to Ocala Stud following his 4-year-old season and stood as a partnership between Brad and Misty Grady's Grand Oaks Farm and Airdrie Stud in a deal brokered by West Bloodstock.
Airdrie's Bret Jones said the opportunity to partner with the Grady and O'Farrell families was a major draw for the farm's investment in Girvin.
“We had great belief in Girvin's potential as a stallion, but just as importantly, we knew that every partner was going to be pulling in the same direction to give the him the greatest possible chance,” said Jones. “Ocala Stud have done a fantastic job both supporting and promoting the horse and the commitment that Brad has made has been extraordinary. He deserves every bit of good luck that comes his way. As for Girvin, he's been tipping his hand since his first foals hit the ground. He throws beautiful babies, had a monster juvenile sales season and I think his 2-year-olds have been as impressive on the track as any first-season stallion in America. He's giving every indication that he can be a big-time Kentucky stallion and we couldn't be more excited about him.”
Grady, and bloodstock agent Bobby Dodd, purchased Girvin for $130,000 at the 2015 Fasig-Tipton October sale.
“When Bobby Dodd and I first bought Girvin he was a beautiful, strong colt, that looked fast,” said Grady. “As a yearling, Mr. Beau Lane told Bobby and I that we had a serious horse and explained his depth of pedigree in a way that two rednecks could understand. Bobby was always high on Girvin and gave him the accolades of a freak. He had a minor setback as a 2-year-old that kept us from pinhooking him. We had the chance to race him, and he took us on the ride of a lifetime that we will never forget. It was a very easy decision to support him for both Misty and I, and when we got a glimpse of his first foals, we knew we did the right thing for him and us. He has more than blessed our family. We are grateful to Airdrie Stud and Ocala Stud for supporting Girvin, and giving him the best possible chance for success.”
Girvin has arrived at Airdrie and is available for viewing.
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