Longtime California owner/breeder Marianne Millard, co-founder of Here Tis Ranch in San Jacinto, Calif., has died at age 91, according to a posting on the CTBA's website.
Best known as the co-owner and breeder of the multiple graded stakes-winning and unbeaten California-bred champion Melair, Millard, along with her late associate Bea Rous, were active California owner/breeders for several decades.
Melair, who garnered national attention on July 5, 1986, when she defeated an outstanding field of colts that included Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Snow Chief in the Silver Screen Handicap (G2) at Hollywood Park. She was trained by John Sadler and ridden by Patrick Valenzuela.
Following her Silver Screen triumph, Melair experienced a bout with colic and retired unbeaten in five starts with earnings of $336,500.
A foal of 1983 by Debonair Roger out of the Viking Spirit mare Melrose Nugget, Santa Anita honors the memory of Melair annually with the $150,000 Melair Stakes for three-year-old California-bred fillies at 1 1/16 miles. This year's Melair will be run on May 28.
The Marianne Millard Revocable Trust's most recent starter was a a fifth-place finish from Melgito in a maiden claiming race March 20.
According to Steve Gale, trustee, all correspondence for the Marianne Millard Revocable Trust should be sent to 2683 Via de la Valle STE G613, Del Mar, CA 92014 or via email to mmbr60@yahoo.com.
