Girvin (Tale of Ekati–Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon) died suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday morning at Airdrie Stud, collapsing as he was being brought in from his paddock, according to Airdrie Stud owner Bret Jones. The stallion was 12 years old.“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,” said Jones. “Girvin has been an absolute gift to everyone who has been associated with him. Brad and Misty Grady and their wonderful family began as our business partners and have become true friends over these last several years. 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.”Girvin was bred in Kentucky by Bob Austin and John Witte. He won the GI Haskell Stakes, the GII Louisiana Derby, and the GII Risen Star Stakes. He began his stud career at Ocala Stud in Florida at an introductory fee of $7,500, but relocated to Kentucky after producing Grade I winner Faiza and Grade II winner Damon's Mound in his first crop. He is currently the sire of 15 stakes winners, and his first Kentucky-breds are two-year-olds of 2026. He is currently the fourth-leading sire of two-year-olds in North America. Dorth Vader and Damon's Mound, from his first crop, would both go on to be millionaires.“We will always be grateful for the opportunity (Brad and Misty Grady) gave us to partner with them, just as we will always be 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,” Jones continued. “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 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.”Brad Grady called the stallion a blessing.“Girvin has been such an incredible blessing to our family. The memories, and even more importantly, the lifelong friendships we've made through him have gone beyond anything we could ever have ever imagined when we first got involved in this great sport,” he said. “We will forever be grateful for having him be such a wonderful part of our lives.”The post Girvin, Top Sire of Two-Year-Olds, Dies appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.