Ann Grubb of Big Acre Stud passes away

Ann Grubb, the breeder of 1973 champion sprinter Sandford Lad, passed away on Monday, December 18.

Grubb, of Big Acre Stud in County Tipperary, kept a small broodmare band but bred many winners headed by Sandford Lad.

She also bred Blue Queen, an unplaced two-year-old who produced Meon Valley Stud's foundation mare Reprocolor, who features in the pedigree of multiple Group 1 winners including the three-generation sequence Colorspin, Zee Zee Top and Izzi Top.

Another graduate of Big Acre Stud was the useful Mujadil filly Mujado, who became the dam of Keeneland Grade 1 winner Joha after being sent to America.

Grubb made regular appearances at Doncaster yearling sales, and enjoyed a strong association with the late trainer Captain Ryan Price.

"Ann accepted the ups and downs of the bloodstock industry in equal measure and was as good a loser as a winner," said Harry Beeby, honorary president of Goffs UK.

"She never lost her enthusiasm for bloodstock sales and was a great supporter of DBS. She maintained that life should be fun and enjoyed with a glass or three of bubbles!

"I have a host of happy memories of times spent in Ann's company at Big Acre and the sales and I will be one of many who will mourn her departure from the bloodstock world."