Breeze Easy Partner Ross Dies at 79

Sam Ross, co-owner with Mike Hall of Breeze Easy, died December 22 at the age of 79 in Jupiter, Florida.

Described as “a visionary behind many companies,” all of which were based in his hometown of Parkersburg, W.Va., Ross sold his SBR group in 2006 but remained the owner of Woodcraft Supply, a chain of specialty stores. related to woodworking that operates in 34 states. He was also involved in the oil and gas exploration and production industry. In addition to the sale of SBR, 2006 also marked the formation of the Ross Foundation, which supports charitable efforts in various West Virginia counties.

Ross entered the racing and breeding industry in 2016 when he and business partner Hall founded Breeze Easy. Quickly becoming a force on the track and in the sales ring, where he is now well represented as a buyer and seller, Breeze Easy scored a notable racing triumph two years later when the Wesley Ward-trained shang shang shang sent to Royal Ascot and captured Norfolk Stakes (G2).

The following year, another of Ward’s apprentices, Traction on the four wheels , was undefeated in three juvenile starts, culminating in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2T). Other standouts to wear the Breeze Easy colors have been the multi-level winning sprint star, First of all ; Pow Wow late at night , a West Virginia-bred who captured the Barbara Fritchie Stakes(G3) and earned a Grade 1; Marine Stakes (G3) Scorer easy time ; winner of multiple stakes and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf…