The Name’s Jimmy dies at age 25

Grade 2 winner The Name’s Jimmy was euthanized March 7 at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, Ky., at the age of 25 following prolonged and worsening mobility issues.

Bred in Illinois by Triple D Stable, the son of Encino was a $20,000 purchase at the 1991 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. March sale of selected 2-year-olds in training by Chuck Calvin, as agent for Brian and Jan Burns’s Mount Joy Stables.

The Name’s Jimmy had six wins in 22 starts over four seasons of racing for earnings of $404,090. His marquee victories came in the Grade 2 American Derby at Arlington Park and the Grade 3 Will Rogers Handicap at Hollywood Park, with placings in three additional graded stakes.

After his racing career, The Name’s Jimmy retired to Crestwood Farm in Lexington, Ky. He later spent time at Hill ‘n’ Dale Illinois and Elite Thoroughbreds in Louisiana.

"When Hurricane Katrina came through, Jimmy was lost,” said Brian Burns. “He stayed out in the bayou for two days before Pope McLean, Jr. found him. It's a wonder he wasn't eaten by an alligator or bitten by a snake. After that, Pope and I called him The Survivor."

The Name’s Jimmy was pensioned to Old Friends by Brian and Jan Burns in July 2007 after siring 13 crops of foals. His progeny were led by stakes winners Suzzona, Jimmy’s Boy, Tin Smithen, Jimie Son, Jimmy Cracked Corn, and Link to Jimmy.

"The Name's Jimmy was blessed to have owners like Brian and Jan Burns and we were lucky to have Jimmy at Old Friends," said Michael Blowen, president of Old Friends. "It's always difficult to euthanize one of our great retirees but Jimmy made it easy. The look in his eye spoke volumes and we were able to help him in his final hour. We're very grateful for all he gave us."