MEET THE TEAM
Sally Ann Grassick
Thoroughbred Tales founder Sally Ann Grassick’s passion for horses and horse racing was established at a young age as she is from a prominent racing family. Sally Ann recently returned home to her native Ireland after nine years in France, where she was a presenter for French racing channel Equidia and rode as an amateur jockey in the most prestigious flat races for female jockeys in France as well as in Ireland and the UK. She is also heavily involved in the breeding industry through her family’s Newtown Stud, alongside her mother and sister Cathy. Sally Ann is currently part of the ITV Racing presenting team interviewing trainers, jockeys and other racing personalities at major meetings across the UK and Ireland. She is also a regular contributor to various publications including International Thoroughbred, EBN and Thoroughbred Racing Commentary, covering all aspects from breeding to racing.
Vikki Hancock
Vikki is originally from Oxford but has spent many years living in Co. Cork, Ireland. Despite having no family background in the industry, Vikki has always been passionate about racing and breeding. Her various jobs have taken her across the Irish Sea and back, including time spent with Tweenhills, Raffin Stud and Rathbarry Stud. She spent five years as part of the well respected European Bloodstock News team in Newmarket as sub editor and has since been working for the Racing Post on ANZ Bloodstock News alongside pinhooking foals through Clonmult Farm in Co. Cork.
Cathy Grassick
Cathy was lucky enough to be born into a strong racing family, as the older sister of Thoroughbred Tales founder Sally Ann. She combines working for Brian Grassick Bloodstock, the successful bloodstock agency set up by her parents in 1991, and Newtown Stud, her family's farm. Cathy has many years' experience working with horses in a wide range of roles all around the world. She has a passion for education and was a lecturer in National University of Ireland at Maynooth on the Equine Business Degree Course for a number of years as well as regularly contributing to the Irish National Stud Breeding Course. Cathy is currently the Vice Chairman of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association and she also writes a regular column called “Girls Aloud” for International Thoroughbred Magazine.
Lizzy Sainty
Lizzy is head of International Advertising at Jour de Galop, the leading French racing and bloodstock media, a position she has held since 2018. Lizzy grew up in Kildangan, Ireland before moving to Lambourn in the UK and eventually landing in France in 2009. A gap year in Australia trying to learn how to play polo (unsuccessfully) confirmed her talents lay elsewhere and so on her return she began working for Malcolm Bastard doing Breeze Up prep in holidays, and riding out for Ian Williams during her time at the University of Birmingham where she studied Classics. On leaving University, she entered into the BHA graduate scheme followed by a placement under Anna Powell at British Bloodstock Marketing before leaving for France for a 6-month trip - 12 years ago!
Milly Harwood
Milly grew up in Hampshire with a background in showjumping but was bitten by the racing bug after a successful stint working in racing yards in Australia. During her time as a pupil assistant for Andrew Balding she was introduced to the fascinating world of bloodstock, which motivated her to explore other areas of the industry. This took her to Ireland where she completed the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course, and worked with some of the top consignors of yearlings and breezers. Recently Milly ticked off a goal of hers by buying her first foal to pinhook and sell as a yearling.
Laura Joy
Laura is from Co. Tipperary in Ireland and graduated from University College Dublin with a degree in Business and Law. Her passion for racing and love for horses soon took over and she decided to embark on a career in racing. After a season of yearling prep and sales in Kentucky, she arrived in Newmarket to work for Luca Cumani in 2016 and never went home! Since then she worked for William Haggas and now has her ‘dream job’ as Pedigree Researcher for Shadwell Stud whilst riding out part time for Michael Bell. Laura has recently joined the Thoroughbred Tales team as our Administrative Assistant and has already proved herself to be a great addition.