Girvin, one of the leading freshman and juvenile sires in America, will take up residence at Airdrie Stud for the 2023 breeding season after beginning his career at the O’Farrell family’s Ocala Stud. Already the sire of 12 winners from his first 23 starters, Girvin is the sire of the dominant and undefeated Grade II Saratoga Special winner Damon’s Mound and the 5 ¼ length Astoria Stakes victress Devious Dame among his three stakes horses. His two juvenile stakes winners trail only leading freshman sire Justify amongst all sires of two-year-olds, and the duo join Good Magic and Bolt d’Oro as the only first-year stallions to be represented by graded stakes winners this season. His success on the track follows his strong juvenile sales season, when 40 of his 43 offerings sold for an average of nearly $92,000. These results are particularly impressive when considering the $7,500 introductory stud fee on which his first crop was bred.
Bred in Kentucky by Bob Austin and John Witte, Girvin raced in the silks of Brad Grady for trainer Joe Sharp throughout a career highlighted by wins in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational, the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes. He was 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. 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.”
“When Bobby Dodd and I first bought Girvin he was a beautiful, strong colt, that looked fast,” said owner Brad 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 two-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.
