Robert Sangster was one of the world's top owners and breeders, winning 27 European Classics and over 100 Group One races and being crowned champion owner five times. He shared many high-profile successes with former trainer Vincent O'Brien in the 1970s and 80s.
Classic victories included the Epsom Derby, with The Minstrel in 1977 and Golden Fleece in 1982. They also won back-to-back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes with Alleged in 1977 and 1978.
"We were deeply saddened to learn of Robert's death today. He was a great friend, a wonderful owner and part of our family, young and old, for many years," O'Brien (86) said in a statement from Coolmore Stud, the breeding operation which the duo, and John Magnier, put firmly on the map.
"Trusting and uncomplaining, with an excellent sense of humour, he was a joy with whom to share good times. He was enthusiastic and always grateful even for small victories.
"Magnanimous in defeat he was a superb loser and did not waste time dwelling on what might have been. I appreciated, more than I can ever say, Robert's trust and confidence so that I, as trainer and partner, would do the best for him and the horses."
Other brilliant horses to pass through their hands included Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner El Gran Senor and Sadler's Wells who has gone on to be one of the world's foremost stallions.
John Reid, who partnered Turtle Island to the 1994 Irish 2,000 Guineas for Sangster, said: "He was a great man for racing over a very long period of time. Although racing was a business he was always up for a bit of fun. He enjoyed the craic."
Pat Eddery, who succeeded Piggott as stable jockey at Ballydoyle at the end of the 1980 season, said: "It's terrible, it's just so sad. He's been a great friend for years and I've ridden some great winners for him. He was one of the nicest people I've ever met.
"My first big winner for him was Detroit winning the Arc, then Golden Fleece winning the Derby, El Gran Senor - he was a real good horse and Lomond winning the Guineas. I rode so many good horses for him.
"Not only was he a great owner to ride for but he was also a great friend. He was always very good to me."
John Gosden is the current occupant at Manton and he also gave Sangster a big race success in 1984 when Royal Heroine won the Breeders' Cup Mile.
The trainer said: "Robert Sangster was the foremost international owner and breeder of his era. From the mid 70s and throughout the early 80s he controlled the most powerful stables in England, Ireland, France, the United States and Australia. He lit the torch for others to follow. With Vincent O'Brien and John Magnier, he internationalised sales, racing and breeding."
