Lester Keith Piggott (5 November 1935 – 29 May 2022) was an English professional

jockey A jockey is someone who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing. The word "jockey" originated from England and was used to describe the individual ...

and trainer. With 4,493 career

flat racing Horse racing is an equestrian performance sport, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its basic p ...

wins in Britain, including a record nine

Epsom Derby The Derby Stakes, also known as the Epsom Derby or the Derby, and as the Cazoo Derby for sponsorship reasons, is a Group 1 flat horse race in England open to three-year-old colts and fillies. It is run at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey o ...

victories, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest flat racing jockeys of all time and the originator of a much imitated style. Popularly called "The Long Fellow", he was known for his competitive personality, restricting his weight and, on occasion, not sparing the whip, such as in the 1972 Derby. Piggott was convicted of

tax fraud Tax evasion is an illegal attempt to defeat the imposition of taxes by individuals, corporations, trusts, and others. Tax evasion often entails the deliberate misrepresentation of the taxpayer's affairs to the tax authorities to reduce the taxp ...

in 1987 and sentenced to three years in prison. He served just over one year.

Early life

Piggott was born in

Wantage Wantage () is a historic market town and civil parish in Oxfordshire, England. Although within the boundaries of the historic county of Berkshire, it has been administered as part of the Vale of White Horse district of Oxfordshire since 1974. T ...

, Berkshire, to a family that could trace its roots as jockeys and trainers back to the 18th century.p45, David Boyd, A Bibliographical Dictionary of Racehorse Trainers in Berkshire 1850–1939 (1998) The Piggotts were a Cheshire farming family who from the 1870s ran the Crown Inn in

Nantwich Nantwich ( ) is a market town and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire East in Cheshire, England. It has among the highest concentrations of listed buildings in England, with notably good examples of Tudor and Georgian architecture. ...

for over 30 years. Piggott's grandfather,

Ernest Piggott Ernest Piggott (1878–1967) was a leading British jump racing jockey, whose family has become one of the leading dynasties in British horseracing. He was three times Champion Jockey and three times Grand National winner. His son, (Ernest) Ke ...

(1878–1967), rode three

Grand National The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. First run in 1839, it is a handicap ...

winners, in 1912, 1918 and 1919, and was married to a sister of the jockeys

Mornington Cannon Herbert Mornington Cannon (1873–1962), commonly referred to as Morny Cannon, was a six-time Champion jockey in the United Kingdom in the 1890s. He holds the records for the most wins by a jockey in the Craven Stakes, Coronation Stakes and Prin ...

and

Kempton Cannon Walter Kempton Cannon (1879–1994), usually known as Kempton, was a Classic-winning British jockey. He was the third son of the three-times Champion Jockey, Tom Cannon, Sr., while his brothers were another champion, Morny Cannon, Tom Canno ...

, who both rode winners of the Derby, in 1899 and 1904 respectively. He was also three-times

British jump racing Champion Jockey In Great Britain's National Hunt racing, the title of Champion Jockey is bestowed on the jockey who has ridden the most winning horses during a racing season. From its inception in 1900 through to 1925, the award was given to the jockey who had r ...

(in 1910, 1913 and 1915), and owned a racehorse stable at the Old Manor in

Letcombe Regis Letcombe Regis is a village and civil parish in the Vale of White Horse. It was part of Berkshire until the 1974 boundary changes transferred the Vale of White Horse to Oxfordshire. The village is on Letcombe Brook at the foot of the Berkshire ...

(now in

Oxfordshire Oxfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the north west of South East England. It is a mainly rural county, with its largest settlement being the city of Oxford. The county is a centre of research and development, primarily ...

). Lester Piggott's father, (Ernest) Keith Piggott (1904–1993), was a successful

National Hunt In horse racing in the United Kingdom, France and Republic of Ireland, National Hunt racing requires horses to jump fences and ditches. National Hunt racing in the UK is informally known as "jumps" and is divided into two major distinct branches: ...

jockey and trainer, winning the

Champion Hurdle The Champion Hurdle is a Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run on the Old Course at Cheltenham over a ...

as a jockey in 1939 and the Grand National as a trainer in 1963 with

Ayala Ayala may refer to: Places * Ciudad Ayala, Morelos, Mexico * Ayala Alabang, a barangay in Muntinlupa, Philippines * Ayala Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the Makati Central Business District, Philippines * Ayala, Magalang, a barrio in Magalang ...

, becoming the

British jump racing Champion Trainer The Champion Trainer of National Hunt racing in Great Britain is the trainer whose horses have won the most prize money during a season. The list below shows the Champion Trainer for each season since 1945–46. Winners * 1945–46 - Tommy Rays ...

of the 1962–63 season. He owned a training stable at South Bank in

Lambourn Lambourn is a village and civil parish in Berkshire, England. It lies just north of the M4 Motorway between Swindon and Newbury, and borders Wiltshire to the west and Oxfordshire to the north. After Newmarket it is the largest centre of ra ...

, where Lester Piggott lived until 1954. Lester Piggott was a cousin, through his mother Lilian Iris Rickaby, of two other jockeys, Bill and Fred Rickaby. Fred Rickaby was

British flat racing Champion Apprentice The flat racing Champion Jockey and Champion Apprentice titles are awarded annually to the jockey(s) and apprentice(s) respectively that have ridden the most winners (both turf and all-weather) in Great Britain during a set period or championship ...

in 1931 and 1932.

Career

Haydock Park Racecourse, Statue to Lester Piggott - geograph

Piggott began racing horses from his father's stable when he was ten years old and won his first race in 1948, aged twelve, on a horse called The Chase, at

Haydock Park Haydock Park Racecourse is a racecourse in Merseyside, North West England. Within the boundaries of the historic county of Lancashire, the racecourse is set in an area of parkland bounded by the towns of Haydock to the west, Ashton-in-Makerfield ...

. Piggott was known for his quiet demeanour. He described his mother as wisely playing down his success, while his father rarely gave advice unless there had been a particular mistake. By his teens a sensation in the racing world, he rode his first winner of The Derby on Never Say Die in 1954, aged eighteen, and went on to win eight more, on

Crepello Crepello (1954–1974) was a British-bred Thoroughbred racehorse which won England's most prestigious race, the Epsom Derby in 1957 and was later a Leading sire in Great Britain & Ireland. Pedigree He was a chestnut horse sired by Donatello II ...

(1957),

St. Paddy St. Paddy (1957–1984) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In 1960, he won both the Epsom Derby and the St Leger. His performances in both 1960 and 1961 were instrumental in making his sire Aureole the Leading sire in Great Br ...

(1960),

Sir Ivor Sir Ivor (May 5, 1965 – November 10, 1995) was an American-bred, Irish-trained champion Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In a career which lasted from July 1967 to October 1968 he ran thirteen times and won eight races. He won major races in ...

(1968),

Nijinsky Vaslav (or Vatslav) Nijinsky (; rus, Вацлав Фомич Нижинский, Vatslav Fomich Nizhinsky, p=ˈvatsləf fɐˈmʲitɕ nʲɪˈʐɨnskʲɪj; pl, Wacław Niżyński, ; 12 March 1889/18908 April 1950) was a ballet dancer and choreog ...

(1970),

Roberto The name Robert is an ancient Germanic given name, from Proto-Germanic "fame" and "bright" (''Hrōþiberhtaz''). Compare Old Dutch ''Robrecht'' and Old High German ''Hrodebert'' (a compound of '' Hruod'' ( non, Hróðr) "fame, glory, honou ...

(1972),

Empery Empery (foaled 1973 in Kentucky) was an American-bred, French-trained racehorse best known for winning the 1976 Epsom Derby. In a racing career which lasted from September 1975 until July 1976 he ran eight times and won two races. Empery showed ...

(1976),

The Minstrel The Minstrel (11 March 1974 – 3 September 1990) was a Canadian-bred, Irish-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. Bred in Ontario, he was sold as a yearling and exported to Europe, where he was campaigned in Ireland and the United Kin ...

(1977) and

Teenoso Teenoso (7 April 1980 – 4 October 1999) was an American-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. After showing moderate form as a two-year-old, he improved in the spring of 1983 to win the Group Three Lingfield Derby Trial and the Epsom ...

(1983). He was stable jockey to

Noel Murless Sir Charles Francis Noel Murless (24 March 19109 May 1987) was an English racehorse trainer who one of the most successful of the twentieth century. Murless began his career as a trainer in 1935 at Hambleton Lodge in Yorkshire before moving to H ...

and later to

Vincent O'Brien Vincent O'Brien (9 April 1917 – 1 June 2009) was an Irish race horse trainer from Churchtown, County Cork, Ireland. In 2003 he was voted the greatest influence in horse racing history in a worldwide poll hosted by the ''Racing Post''. In ...

and had a glittering career of unparalleled success. Known as the "housewives' favourite", Piggott had legions of followers and did much to expand the popularity of horse racing beyond its narrow, class-based origins. Famously tall for a

flat Flat or flats may refer to: Architecture * Flat (housing), an apartment in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and other Commonwealth countries Arts and entertainment * Flat (music), a symbol () which denotes a lower pitch * Flat (soldier), ...

jockey (), hence his nickname of "The Long Fellow", Piggott struggled to keep his weight down and for most of his career rode at . He pioneered a new style of race-riding that was subsequently widely adopted by colleagues at home and abroad and enabled him to become Champion Jockey eleven times. He also rode over hurdles early in his career. Apalachee (Lester Piggott)

In 1980, his relationship with the Sangster–O'Brien combination came to an end and he was appointed stable jockey to Noel Murless's son-in-law

Henry Cecil Sir Henry Richard Amherst Cecil (11 January 1943 – 11 June 2013) was a British flat racing horse trainer. Cecil was very successful, becoming Champion Trainer ten times and training 25 domestic Classic winners. These comprised four winners ...

, the

British flat racing Champion Trainer The Champion Trainer of flat racing in Great Britain is the trainer whose horses have won the most prize money during a season. The list below shows the Champion Trainer for each year since 1896. The Championship was originally run from November ...

, at Murless's old stables, Warren Place. He was again champion jockey in 1981 and 1982. In late 1983, a dispute arose as to whether Piggott had reneged on an agreement to ride

Daniel Wildenstein Daniel Leopold Wildenstein (11 September 1917 – 23 October 2001) was a French art dealer, historian and owner-breeder of thoroughbred race horses. He was the third member of the family to preside over Wildenstein & Co., one of the most succes ...

All Along All Along (7 April 1979 – 23 February 2005) was a champion Thoroughbred racemare that was foaled in France. She was one of the top fillies of the last part of the 20th century, racing mostly in Europe. All Along was named into the Nationa ...

in the

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France, over a distance ...

for Patrick Louis Biancone when Piggott stated he had agreed to ride the previous year's Arc third Awaasif and could only ride All Along if that horse did not run. All Along was ridden instead by

Walter Swinburn Walter Robert John Swinburn (7 August 1961 – 12 December 2016) was a flat racing jockey and trainer who competed in Great Britain and internationally. Biography Swinburn was born in Oxford. He was the son of Wally Swinburn, who won ...

, with Wildenstein refusing to allow Piggott to ride any more of his horses. It was costly for Piggott, as All Along won the Arc and a string of other international races in an autumn campaign that ended with her being named U.S. Horse of the Year. As Wildenstein was one of Cecil's principal owners, this placed a strain on the relationship and, in 1984, Cecil and Piggott split, with

Steve Cauthen Steve Cauthen (born May 1, 1960) is a retired American jockey. In 1977 he became the first jockey to win over $6 million in a year working with agent Lenny Goodman, and in 1978 he became the youngest jockey to win the U. S. ...

taking over at Warren Place. In 1985, Piggott rode freelance, with big wins including the

Prix de Diane The Prix de Diane, sometimes referred to as the French Oaks, is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Chantilly over a distance of 2,100 met ...

for

André Fabre André Fabre (born 9 December 1945) is a French thoroughbred horse racing trainer. The son of a diplomat, Fabre graduated from university with a law degree but then decided to pursue a career in thoroughbred horse racing. He began by working in ...

aboard Lypharita, the 2000 Guineas Stakes for

Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute (born 22 October 1945) is a Barbadian British Thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Career Stoute, whose father was the Chief of Police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assis ...

Shadeed Shadeed (1982–2005) was an American-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In a career that lasted from October 1984 to November 1985, he ran seven times and won four races. In the 1985 he was the highest-rated three-yea ...

and the

Benson and Hedges Gold Cup Benson may refer to: Animals * Benson (fish), largest common carp caught in Britain Places Geography Canada *Rural Municipality of Benson No. 35, Saskatchewan; rural municipality *Benson, Saskatchewan; hamlet United Kingdom *Benson, Oxfordshire ...

and

Irish Champion Stakes The Irish Champion Stakes ( Irish: Curadh-Dhuais na hÉireann) is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs (2,01 ...

for

Luca Cumani Luca M. Cumani (born 7 April 1949, in Milan, Italy) is an Italian thoroughbred horse trainer and breeder. He trained at Bedford House Stables in Newmarket from 1976 to 2019. He has trained a multitude of high-profile horses, including seven Cla ...

Commanche Run Commanche Run (1981–2005) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse. He was a versatile top-class colt who won a number of Group One races at from one and a quarter to one and three-quarter miles in the 1980s. Background Bred in England, he ...

. With 4,493 career wins on the Flat in Britain and approximately 5,300 worldwide, including a record nine Epsom Derby victories, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest

jockeys of all time. Piggott's 30 Classic wins in Britain came from 25 individual horses. Of his great winners, Piggott regarded Sir Ivor as the easiest to ride.

Later life

Piggott retired as a jockey at the end of the 1985 flat season and became a trainer. His Eve Lodge stables in Newmarket in

Suffolk Suffolk () is a ceremonial county of England in East Anglia. It borders Norfolk to the north, Cambridgeshire to the west and Essex to the south; the North Sea lies to the east. The county town is Ipswich; other important towns include Lowes ...

, housed 97 horses and sent out 34 winners. His burgeoning new career as a trainer was ended when he was convicted of

and jailed. He was stripped of his appointment as

Officer of the Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established o ...

(OBE), which had been awarded in 1975. He served 366 days in prison. According to Piggott, a commonly held belief that he was prosecuted after using an undeclared bank account, to make a final settlement of his tax liabilities, is a myth. Piggott resumed his career as a jockey in 1990, at the age of 55, and won the

Breeders' Cup Mile The Breeders' Cup Mile is a Grade 1 Weight for Age stakes race for thoroughbred racehorses three years old and up, run on a grass course. It has been conducted annually as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships since the event's incept ...

Royal Academy The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly in London. Founded in 1768, it has a unique position as an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects. Its pur ...

within ten days of his return. He rode another Classic winner, Rodrigo de Triano, in the 1992 2000 Guineas. His last win in Britain was in October 1994 and he officially retired in 1995; his last British ride was in the

November Handicap The November Handicap is a flat handicap horse race in Great Britain open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Doncaster over a distance of 1 mile 3 furlongs and 197 yards (2,393 metre ...

on 5 November 1994, but he rode abroad through the winter of 1994–95, winning the

Black Opal Stakes The Black Opal Stakes is a Canberra Racing Club Group 3 Thoroughbred horse race, for two-year-olds, at set weights, over a distance of 1200 metres, held annually at Canberra Racecourse in Canberra, Australia in March. Total prize money for the ...

on Zadok in

Canberra Canberra ( ) is the capital city of Australia. Founded following the federation of the colonies of Australia as the seat of government for the new nation, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The ci ...

on 5 March 1995 before deciding not to return for the 1995 British Flat turf season. Piggott lived near Newmarket for the entire duration of his career. He later emigrated to

Bursinel Bursinel is a municipality in the district of Nyon in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. History Bursinel is first mentioned in 1139 as ''Brucines''. Geography Bursinel has an area, , of . Of this area, or 74.0% is used for agricultural purpo ...

, Switzerland, where he continued to reside with his partner and family friend Lady Barbara FitzGerald, then the 55-year-old wife of

Lord John FitzGerald Lord John FitzGerald (3 March 1952 – 3 August 2015), was an Irish nobleman, British Army officer, racehorse trainer, and horseracing administrator. Lord John was the second son of Gerald, 8th Duke of Leinster, and his second wife, Anne, daugh ...

, though legally he was still married to his wife Susan. In 2004, he published the book ''Lester's Derbys''. On 15 May 2007, Piggott was admitted to intensive care in a hospital in

Geneva Geneva ( ; french: Genève ) frp, Genèva ; german: link=no, Genf ; it, Ginevra ; rm, Genevra is the List of cities in Switzerland, second-most populous city in Switzerland (after Zürich) and the most populous city of Romandy, the French-speaki ...

, following a recurrence of a previous heart problem. His wife stated that this illness was not life-threatening and that he was recovering in intensive care as a precaution. He attended

Royal Ascot Ascot Racecourse ("ascot" pronounced , often pronounced ) is a dual-purpose British racecourse, located in Ascot, Berkshire, England, which is used for thoroughbred horse racing. It hosts 13 of Britain's 36 annual Flat Group 1 horse races and ...

in June 2007 and the

in June 2008 where he tipped the winner, New Approach, during a

BBC television BBC Television is a service of the BBC. The corporation has operated a public broadcast television service in the United Kingdom, under the terms of a royal charter, since 1927. It produced television programmes from its own studios from 193 ...

interview. He was also present for the

2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup The 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup was a horse racing, horse race which took place at Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham on Friday March 13, 2009. It was the 81st running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and it was won by the pre-race favourite Kauto Star. The ...

where he presented a trophy to jockey

Tony McCoy Sir Anthony Peter McCoy (born 4 May 1974), commonly known as AP McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish former National Hunt horse racing jockey. Based in Ireland and the UK, McCoy rode a record 4,358 winners, and was Champion Jockey a reco ...

. In 2014 the Eve Lodge Stables training yard and complex, which included four semi-detached, two-bedroom bungalows and which could house up to 100 horses, was put on the market for £1.25 million.

Personal life

Piggott was married to Susan Armstrong. They married at St. Mark's church, North Audley Street, London, in 1960. Her father, Sam Armstrong, and her brother, Robert Armstrong, were both racehorse trainers. They had two daughters, Maureen, an ex-

eventer Eventing (also known as three day eventing or horse trials) is an equestrian event where a single horse and rider combine and compete against other competitors across the three disciplines of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This ...

(married to Derby-winning trainer

William Haggas William Haggas is a British Thoroughbred racehorse trainer, based at Somerville Lodge stables in Newmarket, Suffolk. He is the son-in-law of the multiple champion jockey Lester Piggott. He was educated at Harrow and played cricket at Lord's ...

) and Tracy (a sports presenter on Irish television station

RTÉ (RTÉ) (; Irish language, Irish for "Radio & Television of Ireland") is the Public broadcaster, national broadcaster of Republic of Ireland, Ireland headquartered in Dublin. It both produces and broadcasts programmes on RTÉ Television, telev ...

). He also had a son, Jamie, also a jockey, from a relationship with Anna Ludlow. Piggott was partially deaf and had a minor speech impediment. He was also known for his dry wit, despite a reputation for being taciturn. For example, when asked by a reporter, after Karabas had won the 1969 Washington International, when he thought he would win, Piggott replied "about two weeks ago". Allegedly when asked by a stable employee for a £1 gratuity, Piggott motioned to the employee to speak into his "good ear", at which point the employee increased the request to £2. Piggott responded with "try the other ear again". On being asked by a young girl serving him with ice cream if he was soul singer

Wilson Pickett Wilson Pickett (March 18, 1941 – January 19, 2006) was an American singer and songwriter. A major figure in the development of soul music, Pickett recorded over 50 songs which made the US R&B charts, many of which crossed over to the ''Bill ...

, he said "yes".

Death

Piggott died in hospital in Geneva, Switzerland, on 29 May 2022, at the age of 86.

Recognition

The annual jockey awards The Lesters, inaugurated in 1990, are named in his honour. In 1999, the ''

Racing Post ''Racing Post'' is a British daily horse racing, greyhound racing and sports betting publisher which is published in print and digital formats. It is printed in tabloid format from Monday to Sunday. , it has an average daily circulation of 6 ...

'' ranked Piggott as second in their list of the Top 50 jockeys of the 20th century, behind Gordon Richards. In 2021, Piggott was, along with

Frankel Frankel is the surname of: * Benjamin Frankel (1906–1973), British composer * Bethenny Frankel (born 1970), American chef and reality television personality * Charles Frankel (1917–1975), American philosopher, known for Charles Frankel Prize ...

, one of the first two entries in the British Champions Series Hall of Fame.

Major wins

Below is a list of major victories by Piggott, as determined by the RacingBase website, categorised by the country of the race. Canada *

Canadian International Stakes The Canadian International Stakes is a Grade I stakes race for thoroughbred racehorses three years of age and up on Turf. It is held annually in October at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The current purse is Since its creatio ...

– (1) – ''Dahlia (1974)'' France * Grand Critérium (Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère) – (3) – ''Sir Ivor (1967), Breton (1969),

My Swallow My Swallow (22 February 1968 – post-1988) was an Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. He won eight of his eleven races in a racing career which lasted from May 1970 until July 1971. In 1970 he was undefeated in se ...

(1970)'' *

Grand Prix de Paris The Grand Prix de Paris is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), and i ...

– (2) – ''Roll of Honour (1970), Sagaro (1974)'' *

Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Saint-Cloud over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), and it is ...

– (1) – ''Teenoso (1984)'' *

Poule d'Essai des Pouliches The Poule d'Essai des Pouliches is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile) at ...

– (2) – ''Rajput Princess (1964), River Lady (1982)'' *

Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp The Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged two years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,000 metres (about 5 furlongs), ...

– (4) – ''Tower Walk (1969), Balidar (1970), Moorestyle (1980), Mr Brooks (1992)'' *

– (3) – ''Rheingold (1973),

Alleged In law, an allegation is a claim of an unproven fact by a party in a pleading, charge, or defense. Until they can be proved, allegations remain merely assertions.

(1977 & 1978)'' *

– (3) – '' Mrs Penny (1980),

Madam Gay Madam Gay (25 February 1978 – 1983) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse. She showed some promise as a two-year-old in 1980 before developing into a top-class middle distance performer in the following year. Her only victory in a thirteen r ...

(1981), Lypharita (1985)'' *

Prix de la Forêt The Prix de la Forêt is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,400 metres (about 7 furlongs), and it i ...

– (2) – ''Moorestyle (1980 & 1981)'' *

Prix Ganay The Prix Ganay is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run over a distance of 2,100 metres (about 1 mile and 2½ furlongs) at Long ...

– (1) – ''Trillion (1978)'' *

Prix Jacques Le Marois The Prix Jacques Le Marois is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred colts and fillies aged three years or older. It is run at Deauville over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile ...

– (1) – ''Nonoalco (1974)'' *

Prix Jean Prat The Prix Jean Prat is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Deauville over a distance of 1,400 metres (about 7 furlongs), and it is sche ...

– (3) – ''Speedy Dakota (1975), Dom Racine (1978), Night Alert (1980)'' *

Prix du Jockey Club The Prix du Jockey Club, sometimes referred to as the French Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Chantilly over a ...

– (1) – ''Hard to Beat (1972)'' * Prix Lupin – (2) – ''Hard to Beat (1972), Persépolis (1982)'' *

Prix Marcel Boussac The Prix Marcel Boussac is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile), and it is sche ...

– (3) – ''Vela (1969), Play It Safe (1981), Midway Lady (1985)'' *

Prix Maurice de Gheest The Prix Maurice de Gheest is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Deauville over a distance of 1,300 metres (about 6½ furlongs), and it is sch ...

– (4) – ''Mountain Call (1968), Abergwaun (1972), Moorestyle (1981), College Chapel (1993)'' *

Prix Morny The Prix Morny is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Deauville over a distance of 1,200 metres (about 6 furlongs), and it is scheduled ...

– (2) – ''My Swallow (1970), Nonoalco (1973)'' *

Prix du Moulin de Longchamp The Prix du Moulin de Longchamp is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile), and it is sc ...

– (3) – ''Habitat (1969), Gold Rod (1970), Sparkler (1973)'' *

Prix Rothschild The Prix Rothschild is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Deauville over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile), and it is schedul ...

– (1) – ''Topsy (1979)'' *

Prix Royal-Oak The Prix Royal-Oak is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 3,100 metres (about 1 mile and 7½ furlongs), a ...

– (1) – ''Ardross (1981)'' *

Prix Saint-Alary The Prix Saint-Alary is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,000 metres (about 1 miles), and it is scheduled t ...

– (1) – ''Nobiliary (1975)'' *

Prix de la Salamandre The Prix de la Salamandre was a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It was run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,400 metres (about 7 furlongs), and it was scheduled to take place each year in S ...

– (2) – ''My Swallow (1970), Nonoalco (1973)'' *

Prix Vermeille The Prix Vermeille is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), a ...

– (1) – ''Aunt Edith (1965)'' Germany *

Deutsches Derby The Deutsches Derby is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Hamburg-Horn over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), and it is scheduled to ...

– (3) – ''Orsini (1957), Fanfar (1963), Luciano (1967)'' *

Preis der Diana The Preis der Diana is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Düsseldorf over a distance of 2,200 metres (about 1 mile and 3 furlongs), and it is scheduled to take pl ...

– (1) – ''On Dit (1967)'' *

Preis von Europa The Preis von Europa is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Cologne over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), and it is scheduled to take place ea ...

– (1) – ''Esprit du Nord (1983)'' Ireland *

Irish 1,000 Guineas The Irish 1,000 Guineas is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres), and it is scheduled ...

– (2) – ''Favoletta (1971), Godetia (1979)'' *

Irish 2,000 Guineas The Irish 2,000 Guineas is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 metres), and it is ...

– (3) – ''Decies (1970), Jaazeiro (1978), Rodrigo de Triano (1992)'' *

– (3) – ''Malacate (1976), Inkerman (1978), Commanche Run (1985)'' *

Irish Derby The Irish Derby ( Irish: Dearbaí na hÉireann) is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance ...

– (5) – ''Meadow Court (1965), Ribocco (1967), Ribero (1968),

(1977),

Shergar Shergar (3 March 1978 – ) was an Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. After a very successful season in 1981 he was retired to the Ballymany Stud in County Kildare, Ireland. In 1983 he was stolen from the stud, and a ransom of ...

(1981)'' *

Irish Oaks The Irish Oaks is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs (2,414 metres), and it i ...

– (3) – ''Santa Tina (1970), Juliette Marny (1975), Godetia (1979)'' *

Irish St. Leger The Irish St Leger is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile and 6 furlongs (2,816 metres), and it i ...

– (3) – ''Dan Kano (1967), Caucasus (1975), Meneval (1976)'' * Matron Stakes – (1) – ''Kalamaika (1978)'' *

Moyglare Stud Stakes The Moyglare Stud Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metres), and it is scheduled ...

– (1) – ''Lemon Souffle (1993)'' *

National Stakes The Vincent O'Brien National Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 7 furlongs (1,408 metr ...

– (4) – ''Cellini (1973), Sir Wimborne (1975), El Prado (1991), Fatherland (1992)'' *

Phoenix Stakes The Phoenix Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 6 furlongs (1,207 metres), and it is sc ...

– (1) – ''Getaway (1958)'' * Pretty Polly Stakes – (3) – ''Mariel (1971), Godetia (1979), Calandra (1980)'' *

Tattersalls Gold Cup The Tattersalls Gold Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 110 yards (2,112 ...

– (2) – ''Cavo Doro (1973), Elegant Air (1985)'' Italy *

Derby Italiano The Derby Italiano is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Capannelle over a distance of 2,200 metres (about 1 mile and 3 furlongs), and it is scheduled to take place each year in ...

– (3) – ''Bonconte di Montefeltro (1969), Cerreto (1973), Welnor (1984)'' *

Gran Criterium The Gran Criterium is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Milan over a distance of 1,500 metres (about 1 mile), and it is scheduled to take place each year in October. The event ...

– (1) – ''Alhijaz (1991)'' *

Gran Premio del Jockey Club The Gran Premio del Jockey Club is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Milan over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), and it is scheduled to take place each year in October. ...

– (4) – ''Nagami (1958), Marco Visconti (1966), Awaasif (1983), Silvernesian (1992)'' * Premio Presidente della Repubblica – (1) – ''Moulton (1973)'' *

Premio Roma The Premio Roma is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Capannelle over a distance 2,000 metres (about 1¼ miles), and it is scheduled to take place each year in November. History The e ...

– (3) – ''Irvine (1972), Noble Saint (1979), Old Country (1985)'' Singapore * Singapore Derby – (1) – ''Saas Fee (1979)'' *

Queen Elizabeth II Cup The Queen Elizabeth II Cup is a Group One Thoroughbred horse race at Sha Tin Racecourse in the New Territories, Hong Kong. Established in 1975 by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, it is run annually in April at a distance of 2,000 metres (ten ...

– (2) – ''Jumbo Jet (1972)'' Slovakia * Derby – (1) – ''Zimzalabim (1993)'' United Kingdom *

1,000 Guineas The 1000 Guineas Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile (1,609 ...

– (2) – '' Humble Duty (1970),

Fairy Footsteps Fairy Footsteps (15 January 1978 – 1996) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and broodmare best known for winning the classic 1000 Guineas in 1981. She showed promise in her first two races as a two-year-old before establishing herself ...

(1981)'' * 2,000 Guineas – (5) – ''

(1957),

(1968),

(1970),

(1985),

Rodrigo de Triano Rodrigo de Triano (foaled 27 May 1989 – 5 August 2014) was an English Thoroughbred Champion racehorse. Background Foaled in Kentucky, and bred and raced by leading British horseman, Robert Sangster, he was out of the mare Hot Princess and sir ...

(1992)'' * Ascot Gold Cup – (11) – ''Zarathustra (1957), Gladness (1958), Pandofell (1961),

Twilight Alley Twilight Alley (1959 – September 1976) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. A series of physical problems restricted him to four races a track career which lasted from July 1962 to July 1963. On his third racecourse appearance h ...

(1963), Fighting Charlie (1965), Sagaro (1975, 1976 & 1977),

Le Moss Le Moss (3 April 1975 – 17 August 2000) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. A specialist stayer, he excelled at distances of two miles and beyond, winning eleven times from fifteen races between 1977 and 1980. He showed good form ...

(1979), Ardross (horse), Ardross (1981 & 1982)'' * Champion Stakes – (5) – ''Petite Etoile (1959), Pieces of Eight (1966),

(1968), Giacometti (horse), Giacometti (1974),

(1992)'' * Cheveley Park Stakes – (4) – ''Fleet (horse), Fleet (1966), Lalibela (1967), Durtal (horse), Durtal (1976), Marwell (horse), Marwell (1980)'' * Golden Jubilee Stakes, Cork and Orrery Stakes (Golden Jubilee Stakes) – (9) – ''Right Boy (1958 & 1959), Tin Whistle (1960), El Gallo (1963), Mountain Call (1968), Welsh Saint (1970), Saritamer (1974), Thatching (horse), Thatching (1979), College Chapel (1993)'' * Coronation Cup – (9) – ''Zucchero (1953), Nagami (1959), Petite Etoile (1960 & 1961), Park Top (1969),

(1973), Quiet Fling (1976), Sea Chimes (1980), Be My Native (1983)'' * Coronation Stakes – (5) – ''Aiming High (1961), Calve (1972), Lisadell (1974), Roussalka (horse), Roussalka (1975), Chalon (1982)'' * Epsom Derby, Derby – (9) – '' Never Say Die (1954), Crepello (1957),

(1960), Sir Ivor (1968), Nijinsky (1970),

(1972),

(1976),

(1977),

(1983)'' * Dewhurst Stakes – (10) – ''

(1956), Follow Suit (1962), Ribofilio (1968), Nijinsky (1969), Crowned Prince (1971), Cellini (horse), Cellini (1973), The Minstrel (1976), Try My Best (1977), Monteverdi (horse), Monteverdi (1979), Diesis (horse), Diesis (1982)'' * Eclipse Stakes – (7) – ''Mystery IX (1951), Darius (horse), Darius (1955), Arctic Explorer (1957), St Paddy (1961), Pieces of Eight (1966), Wolver Hollow (1969), Artaius (horse), Artaius (1977)'' * Falmouth Stakes – (7) – ''Sylphide (1957), Green Opal (1960), Chrona (1966), Vital Match (1969), Chalon (1982), Niche (1993), Lemon Souffle (1994)'' * Fillies' Mile – (4) – ''Escorial (1973), Miss Pinkie (1976), Cherry Hinton (horse), Cherry Hinton (1977), Oh So Sharp (1984)'' * Haydock Sprint Cup – (3) – ''Green God (1971), Abergwaun (horse), Abergwaun (1972), Moorestyle (1980)'' * International Stakes – (5) – ''Dahlia (horse), Dahlia (1974 & 1975), Hawaiian Sound (1978),

(1985), Rodrigo de Triano (1992)'' * July Cup – (10) – ''Vigo (1957), Right Boy (1958 & 1959), Tin Whistle (1960), Thatch (1973), Saritamer (1974), Solinus (horse), Solinus (1978), Thatching (1979), Moorestyle (1980), Mr Brooks (horse), Mr Brooks (1992)'' * King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – (7) – ''Meadow Court (1965), Aunt Edith (1966), Park Top (1969), Nijinsky (1970), Dahlia (1974), The Minstrel (1977), Teenoso (1984)'' * King's Stand Stakes – (7) – ''Right Boy (1957), Majority Rule (1963), Swing Easy (1971), Abergwaun (1973), Godswalk (1977), Solinus (1978), Never So Bold (1985)'' * Lockinge Stakes – (6) – ''Sovereign Path (1960), The Creditor (1964), Sparkler (1973), Belmont Bay (1981), Polar Falcon (1991), Swing Low (1993)'' * Middle Park Stakes – (6) – ''Petingo (1967), Steel Heart (horse), Steel Heart (1974), Junius (horse), Junius (1978), Mattaboy (1980), Cajun (1981), Diesis (1982)'' * Nassau Stakes – (5) – ''Aunt Edith (1965), Haymaking (1966), Cheveley Princess (1973), Roussalka (1975 & 1976)'' * Nunthorpe Stakes – (7) – ''Right Boy (1958 & 1959), Matatina (1963), Caterina (1966), Tower Walk (1969), Swing Easy (1971), Solinus (1978)'' * Epsom Oaks, Oaks – (6) – ''Carrozza (1957), Petite Etoile (1959), Valoris (1966), Juliette Marny (1975), Blue Wind (1981), Circus Plume (1984)'' * Prince of Wales's Stakes – (3) – ''Gift Card (1973), Anne's Pretender (1976), Crimson Beau (1979)'' * Queen Anne Stakes – (5) – ''Sparkler (1972), Baptism (1979), Belmont Bay (1981), Mr Fluorocarbon (1982), Trojan Fen (1984)'' * Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – (4) – ''The Creditor (1963), Linacre (1964), Hill Rise (1966), To-Agori-Mou (1981)'' * Racing Post Trophy – (5) – ''Ribocco (1966), Noble Decree (1972), Apalachee (horse), Apalachee (1973), Dunbeath (horse), Dunbeath (1982), Lanfranco (horse), Lanfranco (1984)'' * St. James's Palace Stakes – (5) – ''Roan Rocket (1964), Petingo (1968), Thatch (1973), Jaazeiro (1978), Bairn (1985)'' * St. Leger Stakes, St. Leger – (8) – ''St Paddy (1960), Aurelius (1961), Ribocco (1967), Ribero (1968), Nijinsky (1970), Athens Wood (1971), Boucher (1972), Commanche Run (1984)'' * Sun Chariot Stakes – (6) – ''Popkins (1970), Cheveley Princess (1973), Swiss Maid (1978), Topsy (1979), Snow (1980), Home on the Range (1981)'' * Triumph Hurdle – (1) – '' Prince Charlemagne (1954) '' * Sussex Stakes – (6) – ''Petite Etoile (1959), Roan Rocket (1964), Petingo (1968), Thatch (1973), Artaius (1977), Jaazeiro (1978)'' * Yorkshire Oaks – (4) – ''Petite Etoile (1959), Parthian Glance (1966), Shoot A Line (1980), Awaasif (1982)'' United States *

– (1) – ''Royal Academy (1990)'' * Washington, D.C. International Stakes, Washington, D.C. International – (3) – ''Sir Ivor (1968), Karabas (1969), Argument (1980)''

In popular culture

The British music band James (band), James recorded a song named "Sometimes (Lester Piggott)" on their 1993 album ''Laid (album), Laid''. The Outro (music), outro on the original 12" of ''Sit Down (song), Sit Down'' (1989) also featured a falsetto voice singing the jockey's name. The 1990 Van Morrison song "Enlightenment (Van Morrison album)#Track listing, In the Days Before Rock 'n Roll" also mentions Piggott by name: "When we let, then we bet / On Lester Piggott when we met [ten to one] / And we let the goldfish go". Piggott was frequently caricatured on ITV's ''Spitting Image'', in which he was portrayed as having mumbling diction, voiced by Enn Reitel. In 1991, during a period in which Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth II faced public pressure finances of the British royal family#Taxation, to pay taxes, the satirical magazine ''Private Eye'' showed a cover picture of her talking on a telephone, asking for Lester Piggott.

Bibliography

* *

References

External links

Jockey's Room
– has biography and career win statistics
Lester Piggot
H Talent Management
The record nine Derby winners
– sportinglife.com * * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Piggott, Lester 1935 births 2022 deaths English jockeys English people convicted of tax crimes People from Wantage People stripped of a British Commonwealth honour British Champion flat jockeys British Champion apprentice jockeys Sportspeople convicted of crimes English expatriate sportspeople in Switzerland Deaf jockeys British racehorse trainers