Record-breaking former champion jockey Lester Piggott has died aged 86.
Piggott, an 11-time champion and winner of 30 Classics, including a remarkable nine Derby victories, was widely regarded as one of the greatest riders of all time.
Piggot’s son-in-law, Derby-winning trainer William Haggas, said: “Sadly we can confirm that Lester died peacefully in Switzerland this morning. I really don’t wish to add much more than that at this stage, although Maureen will be making a statement later.”
Image: The Queen leads in her Oaks winner, Carrozza, with Piggott in the saddle
Piggott won his first race at the age of 12 at Haydock in 1948, and went on to ride more than 4,000 winners before his first retirement in 1985.
In 1975, Piggott was awarded an OBE but the honour was withdrawn after he received a three-year prison sentence in 1987 for income tax evasion.
Image: Piggott retired from riding in 1995, aged 59
After a five-year absence, he returned to the saddle in 1990, winning the 2000 Guineas in 1992, before retiring for a final time in 1995, aged 59.
In 2021, Piggott was selected in the first draft of inductees into the British Champions Series Hall of Fame and the annual jockey awards, The Lesters are named in his honour.
Sourse: skysports.com
