ONE of National Hunt racing’s most prominent owners, Ann Potts, has died following a long illness.

Mrs Potts, alongside her husband Alan, enjoyed tremendous success on racecourses on both sides of the Irish Sea and most recently saw Sizing John win Gold Cups at Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown.

The couple ignited their interest in racing when they arrived in Ireland at Easter 2005 and invited Henry de Bromhead to lunch at The K Club. A visit to Fairyhouse to watch the Grand National was shelved and instead the party went looking at horses.

They headed to the west of Ireland and when they finally drew breath the following evening they had bought 13 horses.

They started with John Bleahan in Ballinasloe where they picked up Sizing Europe and three other horses. Then they moved on to Martin Cullinane in Athenry, Gerry Nealon and finished up at Tom Costello’s famous nursery in Clare. Since then, the couple have enjoyed huge days on the racecourse thanks to the likes of Sizing Europe, Shanahan’s Turn, Sizing Australia, Sizing Granite and most recently with Sizing John, Fox Norton, Sizing Codelco, Finian’s Oscar, Pingshou and Supasundae.

Jessica Harrington who trained Sizing John for that famous Cheltenham Gold Cup win, said: “Ann was a lovely person. She was very brave and she took great pleasure from Sizing John’s win in the Gold Cup.”

Bloodstock agent Tom Malone, who has long been associated with the Potts, said: “It’s a very sad occasion. Ann was a lovely woman to talk to. She really enjoyed her horses and went out of her way to make sure they were well looked after. She was just an all around very nice person and it’s a very sad time.”

Mrs Potts’ funeral takes place on Sunday in England.