Grade I winner Sugar and Spice, a half-sister to grade I winner Alydar and champion Our Mims, died Sept. 13 at the Our Mims Retirement Haven near Paris, Ky., because of the infirmities of old age. The 27-year-old mare, once owned by Calumet Farm, had resided at the retirement center since February and occupied a stall that once housed Our Mims.
Sugar and Spice belonged to the age of a Calumet renaissance in the late 1970s under the ownership of Lucille Markey and her husband, Adm. Gene Markey, and trainer John Veitch. Her birth, in April of 1977, came about a week after Our Mims won the Fantasy Stakes (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park en route to a 3-year-old filly championship. Several months later, Alydar established himself as a budding star as a 2-year-old in his battles against Affirmed.
Sugar and Spice, who won her sole start at two, won or placed in nine stakes, all grade I or II events , as a 3-year-old. She captured the Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I) over Bold 'n Determined and took the Cotillion Stakes (gr. II) and a division of the Ashland Stakes (gr. II).
As a broodmare, Sugar and Spice produced 11 foals, only five of which won, including grade II winner Cinnamon Sugar (by Wild Again). Two offspring became stakes producers.
Our Mims Retirement bought Sugar and Spice in May. "Imagine how lucky I feel," said Jeanne Mirabito. " I have had the privilege of caring for two great Calumet mares."
