He was the best of his time and arguably the best of all time. I think I’m correct in saying that he was profoundly deaf. With that disability it must have been hard for him in life but to reach the top of the tree like he did was truly exceptional an more so because of when. He had his knighthood removed, which I always felt was a mean and spiteful considering some of the scandals that have gone since. RIP
After coming out of retirement at 55 and winning the Breeders Cup on Royal Academy in 1990 Lester was asked by a journalist "Tell me Lester, is this the greatest day of your racing career?" to which Lester replied "I've won nine Derbies!"
So many stories, so many memories. I've had the pleasure of spending quality time with the man on a number of occasions discussing his career, and he was one of the funniest men I've ever met - such a dry wit.
He was the world's best at his sport for 40 odd years and the greatest flat jockey of all time. I would go as far as to say he was the greatest sportsman (any sport) this country has ever produced.
The word great is a much over used word but Lester was a truly great jockey. There are many wonderful stories about him. After winning a big race in America he was asked at what stage did he think he would win. He replied two weeks ago. RIP Longfellow.
Incidentally, Maureen Haggas, wife of the very successful trainer William, is Lester's daughter and is reckoned to be a big influence on William's success .. could be that equine knowledge and expertise is in the Piggott genes, as horse racing has been the family business for generations
Incidentally, Maureen Haggas, wife of the very successful trainer William, is Lester's daughter and is reckoned to be a big influence on William's success .. could be that equine knowledge and expertise is in the Piggott genes, as horse racing has been the family business for generations
Lester rode Shadeed to win the 2000 Guineas in 1985 on my first trip to the races as an adult. I saw a re-run of the race this morning and Lester was like poetry in motion. He really was a genius on a horse. RIP The Long Fellow
Will comment first on his legacy as a winning jockey. Wonderful winner.
Was rude to my two children at Newbury racecourse along with willy carson in the mid 90's, before Alan Munro intervened, who saw what happened and apologised to us for what he described as old fogy attitudes.
I used to play darts with a fella called Ron who used to be a jockey, on his first race he was up against Lester Piggott. Lester won the race and Ron came 2nd. After the race the trainer asked Ron why he was crying his eyes out and that he had done really well on his first ride to which Ron answered it wasn't the fact of finishing 2nd, it was that Lester Piggott had whipped his arse all the way around!
Comments
He had his knighthood removed, which I always felt was a mean and spiteful considering some of the scandals that have gone since.
RIP
RIP.
RIP Longfellow.
I saw a re-run of the race this morning and Lester was like poetry in motion. He really was a genius on a horse.
RIP The Long Fellow
Was rude to my two children at Newbury racecourse along with willy carson in the mid 90's, before Alan Munro intervened, who saw what happened and apologised to us for what he described as old fogy attitudes.
RIP never the less.