MR DAVID JOHN (IAN) MUIR – 1927 TO 2014
David John Muir was better known to everyone in racing as Ian.
His life was a full one, having set up Fawley Stud – one of the largest thoroughbred studs in England during the 1950s standing five stallions and often foaling up to 95 mares a year. He was very well respected throughout the thoroughbred world for his knowledge and expertise.
He enjoyed talking about his wonderful days with Ryan Price who was both a friend and a client at the Stud. Ian also bred WHAT A MYTH, which Ryan Price trained to win both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Whitbread Gold Cup.
He bred DESTROYER, who won The Henry VII Stakes 1985 and was third to GILDORAN in 1984 in The Ascot Gold Cup. DESTROYER was out of one of his own mares, MARY GREEN, who he also bred at the stud.
Ian’s expertise in foaling mares was wonderful to behold and a vet who worked with him once said to his daughter Grace: “If Ian ever called for help I didn’t rush. If he couldn’t do it, then I sure couldn’t either.”
Ian, with his wife, Agnes have supported Grace in her quest to set up HEROS Charity and rehome ex-racehorses to new careers. Without them HEROS Charity would not exist today. Grace said: “He was an amazing father and I am proud to be his daughter. He has left me so much and will always be in my heart. He was a kind man and helped so many people and touched many in his life.”