"[1] Called by Bloodhorse.com in a 2011 article "the great California closer," Vigors earned the affection of racing fans because of his dramatic come-from-behind running style.
The horse was named for William Hawn's friend Tim Vigors, a World War II fighter ace and founder of Ireland's renowned Coolmore Stud.
The following year, trainer Larry Sterling entered him in the San Marcos Handicap, a race of a mile and an eighth on dirt.
Under jockey Darrel McHargue, Vigors won easily[4] then with the same rider followed up with a win in the San Antonio Stakes in track record time on dirt.
[8] Assigned top weight in the Hollywood Gold Cup, Vigors ran third in what was his final race before retiring to stud duty.