Death of Hillwood Stud's Tracy Vigors at 49

Tracy Vigors, co-manager of Hillwood Stud alongside her husband Charlie, has died suddenly. She was 49.

A popular and respected figure in the bloodstock industry, Vigors headed a team which consigns at the major yearling and breeding stock sales, while also boarding broodmares and providing rehabilitation and rest to horses in training. 

The Marlborough stud also provides a summer home for horses from the Nicky Henderson yard, with famous names past and present including Constitution Hill, Bobs Worth, Shishkin, Altior, Might Bite and Simonsig.

Speaking about Constitution Hill in April, after the superstar's setback which ruled him out of the Champion Hurdle, Henderson said: "Behind the saddle he's still a very weak horse, but Charlie and Tracy Vigors at Hillwood Stud, where the majority of our horses go over the summer, know how to fill that up [with condition] and he won't come back to us until that's right."

A statement from Charlie Vigors on X on Wednesday read: "Harry, Oliver [sons] and I have been overwhelmed by the love, support and kindness shown to us since the sudden passing of Tracy. The messages, letters of condolence and gifts have given us great comfort at this devastating time. 

"We will be having a private funeral next week and a celebration of her life at a later date. We thank you for respecting our privacy at this desperately sad time for all of us."