Maryland native Bill Reightler died July 21 from pancreatic cancer, according to his daughter, Betsy Reightler.
"It is with a heavy heart to tell you all that Bill Reightler passed this morning after his battle with pancreatic cancer," Betsy wrote in a social media post July 21.
"(His wife) Barrie Reightler and I cannot express enough how wonderful it has been for all of us to see what a loved and revered man he was. Thank you to everyone who has sent well wishes, visited, and kept him in your prayers. We are grateful his final days were peaceful, at home on the farm. He got to tell everyone how much he loved them, and in true Bill Reightler fashion, made sure everything was taken care of for his girls. He has left behind a remarkable legacy and so many fond memories."
Reightler spent more than 45 years immersed in the Thoroughbred industry. He founded Reightler Bloodstock in 1999, becoming a force among the consignors and agents based in the Midlantic region.
In addition to his bloodstock work, Reightler also worked at Spendthrift Farm, near Lexington, in the training, broodmare, and stud divisions, before returning to Maryland to manage Ross Valley Farm (now Marathon Farm) and then Chanceland Farm.
Among Reightler's most successful sales graduates were grade 1 winner and sire Army Mule and 2021 Horse of the Year Knicks Go .
Betsy posted that a celebration of life will be held for Reightler Aug. 23 at Comer's Pond, 3512 Green Road, White Hall, Md., 21161. She instructed attendees to bring a dish to share, and in lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name can be made to the Maryland Horse Foundation.
