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Lester Piggott

Lester Piggott (5 November 1935 – 29 May 2022) was an English professional and trainer, renowned as one of the most successful and influential figures in the history of flat . Born in , , into a family with six generations of involvement in the sport—his grandfather Ernie won the Grand National three times, and his father Keith was a successful National Hunt jockey and trainer—Piggott rode his first winner, , at Park at the age of 12 in 1948. Over a career spanning 47 years, he secured 4,493 winners in and more than 850 elsewhere, including major successes in , , and the . Piggott's dominance was marked by a record nine victories in the , starting with in 1954 at age 18 and ending with Teenoso in 1983. He was crowned British champion jockey 11 times between 1960 and 1982, sharing the record with Pat Eddery, and amassed 30 wins in the British Classics, including the last on Nijinsky in 1970. At Royal Ascot, he holds the all-time record of 116 victories. Internationally, he triumphed in the twice on Alleged (1977 and 1978) and made a dramatic comeback in 1990 at age 54, winning the Breeders' Cup Mile on Royal Academy for trainer . After retiring from riding in , Piggott transitioned to training at Eve Lodge Stables in Newmarket, where he prepared horses for prominent owners. His career was punctuated by controversies, notably a 1987 conviction for involving £1.7 million, resulting in a three-year sentence of which he served 12 months, leading to the revocation of his . Piggott died peacefully in a near , , at age 86, after suffering from heart problems.

Early life

Family background

Lester Keith Piggott was born on 5 November 1935 in , , . Piggott hailed from a prominent racing lineage on both sides of his family. His father, Piggott (1904–1993), was a successful who won the in 1939 aboard African Sister before transitioning to training, where he achieved notable success including the 1963 victory with Ayala and the jump trainers' championship in 1962–63. His paternal grandfather, Ernest "Ernie" Piggott (1878–1967), was a leading National Hunt who secured three wins—on Jerry M in 1912 and Poethlyn in 1918 and 1919—and claimed the British jump championship three times (1910, 1913, 1915). On his mother's side, Piggott's heritage was equally steeped in the sport. His mother, Iris Rickaby (d. 1987), came from the renowned Rickaby racing family and was herself an accomplished rider in Newmarket stables, capable of handling horses as effectively as male counterparts. The Rickabys had a long tradition in racing, with forebears including great-grandfather John Rickaby, who trained the 1855 winner Wild Dayrell. This deep familial immersion in granted Piggott unparalleled early access to stables and training environments; he began riding ponies and racehorses at home as young as seven, fostering his innate affinity for the saddle under his father's guidance at their base.

Childhood and racing debut

Lester Keith Piggott was born on 5 November 1935 in , , into a family with deep roots in , where his father was a successful trainer and former . Growing up in this environment, Piggott showed an early aptitude for riding, beginning to exercise horses at his father's stables from the age of eight. He briefly attended King Alfred's School in starting in 1941 but left after four years, around age 10, to dedicate himself fully to racing, continuing his education through private tutoring two or three days a week. As an apprentice under his father, Piggott undertook rigorous daily routines from a young age, including morning gallops on the and strict to maintain the lightweight frame required for jockeys, despite his eventual height of 5 feet 8 inches. This discipline was essential, as he weighed less than five stone at his debut and had to carefully control his —often limited to minimal meals—to avoid exceeding the typical riding weight of around 8 stone. By age 10, he was regularly schooling racehorses, honing skills that would define his career. Piggott's professional debut came on 7 April 1948 at , where, aged 12, he rode to an unplaced finish in his first public race. Just over four months later, on 18 August 1948 at Haydock Park, he secured his maiden victory aboard the same horse in the Wigan Lane Selling Handicap, becoming one of the youngest winners in British racing history at that point. This early success marked the start of his rapid rise, as he began attracting mounts from prominent stables. By age 15, in 1950, Piggott had ridden 52 winners from 404 rides, placing 11th in the jockeys' table and earning a reputation for his precocious talent and composure under pressure.

Jockey career

Apprenticeship and early successes

Piggott's transition to a professional in his late teens marked the beginning of his ascent in British Flat racing. Initially apprenticed to his father Keith Piggott from 1948, he began riding for leading trainer Noel Murless in the early 1950s, formally becoming the stable in 1955 upon the retirement of Sir Gordon Richards. This partnership with Murless, based at Warren Place in Newmarket, provided Piggott with access to high-caliber horses and major owners, including the Queen Mother, for whom he rode several prominent mounts during this formative period. His breakthrough came in 1954 at age 18, when he secured his first victory aboard the 33-1 outsider in the , trained by Joe Lawson; this triumph made Piggott the youngest winner of the race in the . The victory showcased his precocious talent and tactical acumen, as he navigated the colt to a two-length win over Arabian Knight despite the horse's inconsistent prior form. Building on this success, Piggott demonstrated rapid growth, though later that year he received a six-month suspension for rough riding on in the King Stakes at Royal Ascot. Piggott's physical attributes—standing nearly 5 feet 8 inches tall, unusually so for a Flat jockey—presented ongoing challenges with maintaining racing weight, typically around 8 stone 5 pounds (53 kg). To compensate, he evolved a distinctive riding style characterized by a forward-leaning posture, short stirrups, and a low crouch that minimized wind resistance and optimized balance, allowing him to extract maximum performance in big races. This technique, combined with his strategic positioning and relentless drive, became hallmarks of his approach. By the mid-1950s, under Murless's guidance, Piggott was consistently riding over 100 winners per season, solidifying his dominance in British Flat racing and setting the stage for further accolades.

Peak achievements and Derby wins

Lester Piggott's peak years as a , spanning the through the early , were marked by unparalleled dominance in Flat racing, where he established records that remain unbeaten. During this period, he secured 11 jockey championships, beginning with his first in 1960 and including consecutive titles from 1964 to 1971, followed by wins in 1981 and 1982. His tactical acumen, characterized by patient positioning mid-pack and explosive late surges, allowed him to adapt to diverse race conditions, from firm ground to soft, often exploiting the rail or inside paths for advantage. This style, honed through relentless focus and a predatory instinct for opportunities, contributed to his career total of 4,493 wins in , second only to Sir Gordon Richards at the time. Piggott's most iconic achievements came in the , where he won a record nine times, demonstrating his mastery of the undulating track and high-stakes pressure. His victories began with in 1954, a 33-1 outsider in a 22-runner field on good ground; positioned mid-second rank, Piggott surged clear in the straight to win by a clear margin, ending an American-bred drought since 1881. In 1957, aboard the 6-4 favorite Crepello against 21 rivals on firm ground, he tracked the leaders along the inside rail before quickening to prevail by 1.5 lengths over Ballymoss. St Paddy's 1960 triumph at 7-1 saw Piggott settle behind the pacesetters on good-to-firm ground and launch a decisive challenge in the straight for a comfortable victory. The 1960s brought further glory, with Sir Ivor in 1968 at 4-5 odds; on firm ground, Piggott held third before a thrilling final-furlong surge to win going away. Nijinsky's 1970 win at 11-8 in a smaller 10-horse field on good ground exemplified Piggott's timing: easing into the straight and asking for effort only late, the horse scored convincingly en route to a . Roberto's narrow 1972 short-head victory over Rheingold, at 3-1 on firm ground, highlighted Piggott's relentless drive in a prolonged over the final two furlongs, though it drew for his use. Empery provided a 1976 upset at 10-1 against favorite Wollow on firm ground, with Piggott utilizing a rail run to drive past pacesetters for a surprise win by three lengths. Piggott's Derby successes continued into the late 1970s and 1980s, reinforcing his legacy. The Minstrel in 1977, at 9-4 on good ground, saw him move from the rear to challenge early in the straight, prevailing by a neck in a tactical masterclass. Finally, Teenoso's 1983 victory at 11-2 on soft ground involved sending the horse forward early in the straight for a dominant three-length win, showcasing adaptability to testing conditions. These wins were bolstered by key partnerships, notably with trainer , for whom he rode Sir Ivor, Nijinsky, Roberto, Empery, and The Minstrel, amassing multiple Classics together. From 1977, Piggott served as retained jockey for owner , contributing to further high-profile successes in a syndicate that revolutionized international breeding and racing. Beyond the Derby, Piggott amassed a record 30 British Classic wins between 1954 and 1992, including multiple victories in the Oaks, St Leger, and 2,000 Guineas, with standout examples like Nijinsky's sweep. His international prowess shone in three triumphs: Rheingold in 1973 on heavy ground via a bold front-running ride, and Alleged in 1977 and 1978 for O'Brien, both displaying masterful judgment to hold off challengers. These achievements underscored Piggott's versatility, from domestic dominance to global impact, cementing his status as racing's preeminent figure during his prime.

Later career and retirements

Piggott announced his first retirement at the end of the 1985 flat season, at the age of 49, after a career that had already cemented his status as one of the greatest in history. His decision came amid the physical demands of the , particularly his lifelong battle to maintain riding weight despite being unusually tall for a at 5 feet 8 inches, often relying on extreme measures like a heavy in and cigars to stay under 118 pounds. That year, he rode his 29th British Classic winner, Shadeed in the 1,000 Guineas, but managed only 34 victories overall, his lowest seasonal total since 1975, signaling the toll of age and weight management. After four years away, including a brief stint as a trainer, Piggott made a stunning comeback in 1990 at age 54, resuming his license and returning to the saddle at Racecourse on October 15, where he finished a close second on Last Second. Just 11 days later, he secured his first win since 1985 at , completing a double that included a victory on Nicholas, trained by his wife Susan. This resurgence culminated in one of his most iconic triumphs: guiding Royal Academy to victory in the Breeders' Cup Mile at on October 27, a dramatic late charge from the rear that showcased his enduring skill and earned widespread acclaim as a career highlight. Piggott continued riding selectively through the early , adding to his with a 30th win aboard de Triano in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in 1992, his final such success at age 56. He partnered the same horse to further victories that year, including the and Juddmonte International Stakes, demonstrating resilience despite ongoing weight challenges that made each season more grueling. His career concluded fully in 1995, with his last ride coming in the November Handicap at on his 59th birthday in 1994, aboard the unplaced Mr Confusion; by then, the cumulative physical strain had prompted his permanent exit from riding. Over his six-decade career, Piggott amassed 4,493 wins in alone, supplemented by over 800 victories internationally, a tally reflecting not just talent but the unyielding discipline required to overcome his physical disadvantages. In later reflections, he acknowledged the weight battles as a constant adversary, contributing to his decisions to retire and the sporadic nature of his comebacks, yet he expressed no regrets about the sacrifices that defined his unparalleled record.

Training career

Transition to training

Following his retirement from riding at the end of the 1985 flat season, Lester Piggott secured a training license from the in 1986 and established his base at Eve Lodge Stables in , which he had constructed behind his on Hamilton Road. The operation centered on Flat racing, with Piggott assembling a team of staff to oversee daily activities and acquiring an initial string of horses to form the nucleus of his stable, which ultimately expanded to accommodate 97 boxes. Piggott encountered early challenges in building the yard, including comparatively limited financial resources relative to his substantial earnings as a and fierce competition from long-established trainers in the densely packed Newmarket training hub. Among his first trainees were promising juveniles like Cutting Blade, which secured a Group 3 victory in the Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1986, while his initial winner came with Geordie's Delight at on April 23, 1986. In 1987, the stable produced minor wins and a notable international success with Lady Bentley taking the Oaks d'Italia, contributing to a total of 34 victories sent out from Eve Lodge before the career was abruptly halted by legal proceedings.

Notable horses and accomplishments

Piggott's training career, which began in 1986 at Eve Lodge Stables in Newmarket, was marked by early promise despite its brevity. His first winner came with Geordie's Delight at in April 1986. Among the standout horses under his care was the Cutting Blade, who secured a Group 3 victory in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1986, ridden by American jockey Cash Asmussen in front of and royal family. This success highlighted Piggott's adeptness in preparing young talent for major fixtures. In 1987, Piggott achieved his sole Classic triumph as a trainer when Lady Bentley, owned by Mohamed Suhail, won the Oaks d'Italia at under jockey John Reid. Overall, Piggott saddled 34 winners before his career was halted by a conviction and imprisonment later that year, with Kentucky Star providing his final domestic success at in 1987. Though far fewer in number compared to his record-breaking 4,493 victories as a , these training accomplishments demonstrated quality over quantity, focusing on elite Group-level performances in a compressed timeframe.

Legal troubles

Tax evasion investigation

In early 1986, shortly after Lester Piggott's retirement from riding in November 1985, the launched an investigation into his tax affairs. Police and tax officials raided Piggott's home in Newmarket, uncovering evidence of undeclared income from various sources. This probe marked the third time Piggott had come under scrutiny from the , following two earlier investigations in the where he had settled by repaying undeclared amounts without prosecution. In 1987, a 1982 letter from trainer referencing special payments to jockeys was published, intensifying scrutiny. The investigation centered on allegations that Piggott had failed to declare approximately £3 million in earnings between 1977 and 1986, including cash bonuses and gifts from horse owners, as well as funds held in accounts under false names. These undeclared sums primarily arose from informal payments common in the racing industry, such as lump-sum bonuses for victories, which Piggott allegedly received in cash or routed through overseas banks to avoid taxation. The probe estimated that this evasion had deprived the of around £1.7 million in taxes. Piggott was arrested at his home in December 1986 and, in March 1987, charged with nine counts of failing to declare income and one count of false accounting under the Taxes Management Act 1970. He was released on bail of nearly £1 million while awaiting trial. The case intensified public and media scrutiny of financial practices in horse racing, particularly the prevalence of unreported cash incentives to top jockeys, and raised questions about Piggott's affluent lifestyle, which included high-value property investments in the UK and abroad that appeared inconsistent with his declared earnings.

Conviction and imprisonment

In October 1987, Lester Piggott stood trial at on charges related to , where he pleaded guilty to nine counts of failing to declare income totaling over £3 million from 1977 to 1984. The court heard that Piggott had evaded approximately £1.7 million in taxes, despite having already repaid significant sums during prior inquiries. On October 23, Judge Sir Donald Farquharson sentenced the 51-year-old former to three years' . Prosecutor Anthony Hidden had described the offenses as a deliberate and prolonged deception that even misled Piggott's own accountants. In addition to the prison term, Piggott was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £20,000. Piggott began serving his sentence immediately at Highpoint, an open facility near Haverhill in , where he was held for the majority of his term. Despite the three-year sentence, he was granted early release after 366 days, walking free from Highpoint on October 24, 1988. The , the governing body for British , responded swiftly to the conviction by suspending Piggott's trainer's license, effectively halting his operations at Eve Lodge Stables in Newmarket during his incarceration. This suspension prevented him from overseeing any training activities, marking a significant professional interruption at a time when he had only recently transitioned from riding to training following his 1985 retirement from the saddle. The conviction elicited a mixed in the racing community and beyond, with widespread shock at the downfall of a national sporting icon who had won nine Derbys. Many viewed it as a profound fall from grace, leading to the forfeiture of his 1975 and dashed hopes for a knighthood, while others expressed sympathy for the personal toll on a figure synonymous with British racing success. Leading jockeys and trainers voiced dismay, emphasizing the scandal's rarity in the sport, though Piggott's enduring popularity among fans remained largely intact despite the legal repercussions.

Personal life

Marriage and children

Lester Piggott married Armstrong on 22 February 1960 at St Mark's Church in , . , the daughter of Newmarket trainer Sam Armstrong, came from a prominent family, with her father having trained notable horses during his career. The couple's , which lasted until Piggott's in 2022 despite later separations, produced two daughters: Maureen, born in 1961, and Tracy, born in 1965. Piggott also had a son, Jamie, born in 1993, from an extramarital relationship with his former assistant Anna Ludlow. The family maintained strong ties to . Jamie briefly pursued a career as a professional , securing his first public ride in 2013 at age 19 under trainer Tommy Stack in Ireland, though he later transitioned to bloodstock agency. Maureen, an accomplished eventer in her youth, became deeply involved in training alongside her husband, , a leading Newmarket trainer; she assisted in stable operations and experienced a serious fall on the gallops in 2022, underscoring her hands-on role. Tracy carved a path as a former and broadcaster, notably commentating on for in Ireland until 2020.

Residences and lifestyle

Lester Piggott was born in , , but his family relocated to , , in 1945, where he spent his early years in the family home adjacent to his father's training stables. This rural setting in the heart of England's racing country shaped his formative environment, with the Lambourn stables serving as both home and professional base during his starting at age 12. Upon transitioning to training in 1986, Piggott established his operations at Eve Lodge Stables in , a purpose-built facility that became the center of his post-jockey career until legal issues interrupted it in 1987. He returned to Newmarket briefly after his release, maintaining ties to the area through family connections, including his son-in-law's training yard. In his later years, Piggott relocated to , settling in in 2012 with his longtime partner, Lady Barbara FitzGerald, where he enjoyed a more private existence away from the British racing spotlight. Piggott's lifestyle reflected the affluence accrued from his illustrious career, characterized by a disciplined yet indulgent routine that included pursuits beyond . He developed a keen interest in , owning and managing bloodstock that produced notable offspring, leveraging his deep knowledge of equine pedigrees to contribute to the industry even after retiring from the saddle. This involvement extended his influence in the sport, with his breeding decisions often informed by decades of firsthand experience on the track. Throughout his life, including post-retirement, Piggott adhered to a rigorous regimen for , subsisting on a minimal of champagne, cigars, and occasional light meals to maintain his riding weight of around 8 stone 7 pounds (54 kg), which enabled his surprise comeback in 1990 at age 54. Even after his final retirement in 1995, he continued these habits to preserve his fitness, crediting saunas and controlled eating for sustaining his health into his later decades despite the physical toll of his career.

Death and legacy

Final years and death

Following his final retirement from riding in 1995, Piggott shifted focus to and advisory roles within the industry, drawing on his extensive experience while maintaining a low public profile from his home in . Piggott's health declined in his later years due to longstanding heart problems, which had previously led to hospitalizations, including an admission to intensive care in in 2007. In May 2022, at age 86, he was again hospitalized near for these issues, where he remained under care for about a week. He died peacefully on 29 May 2022 in the hospital, surrounded by family. A private funeral for close relatives took place in the following month.

Tributes and enduring impact

Following the announcement of Lester Piggott's death on May 29, 2022, tributes poured in from across the global community, highlighting his unparalleled skill and influence. , a prominent contemporary , described Piggott as his "" and expressed honor in laying a wreath at his statue during the , emphasizing Piggott's enduring inspiration. , a five-time and longtime rival, led the outpouring of praise, calling Piggott a "true titan of the sport" who transcended racing. Racing organizations, including the Horseracing Authority, echoed these sentiments, portraying him as an iconic figure whose tactical genius and 4,493 career wins in Britain defined excellence. A public memorial service was held in October 2022 at St Luke's Church in , attended by family and racing figures including Carson and Dettori. Major media outlets published extensive obituaries that underscored Piggott's record-breaking achievements, such as his nine victories spanning 1954 to 1983. described him as "the outstanding of the postwar era," focusing on his ruthless will to win and cultural significance in British sport. Similarly, hailed him as a "superstar British " whose instinctive riding and 30 wins elevated horse racing's global profile. Piggott's enduring impact is evident in his lasting records and role as a model for modern jockeys; as of 2025, his nine wins remain unmatched, symbolizing an era of dominance that continues to set the benchmark for tactical mastery. He inspired generations of riders with his innovative techniques and unyielding pursuit of victory, influencing figures like Dettori and shaping training philosophies that prioritize strategic positioning over brute strength. In his later years, Piggott contributed to racing's through , including a to Racing following the 2006 Norton stables fire that killed two apprentice jockeys. In November 2025, his personal saddle—previously donated for a 1986 charity —was sold at , continuing his through memorabilia supporting charitable causes.

Recognition and honors

Awards during career

Lester Piggott achieved remarkable recognition during his active years as a , most notably through his dominance in the British Flat Jockey's Championships. He secured the title a record 11 times, underscoring his unparalleled skill and consistency in the sport. These victories spanned from his early career breakthrough in to his later triumphs in the early , establishing him as the preeminent rider of his era. The championships were awarded based on the number of race wins in each season, with Piggott's successes reflecting his tactical brilliance and ability to partner top horses. His wins occurred in the following years: 1960, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1981, and 1982. This haul tied the record with Pat Eddery, surpassing contemporaries like , and highlighted Piggott's adaptability across decades of competitive racing. In 2021, Piggott was inducted as an inaugural member of the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame. Beyond the championships, Piggott received the (OBE) in 1975 for services to , acknowledging his contributions to elevating the sport's global profile through his victories in major events. This honor was later rescinded in 1988 following his conviction for . In 1968, he was named Sportsman of the Year by the , recognizing his standout performances that year, including multiple wins. Piggott also earned Special Achievement Awards from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in and 1994, celebrating his lifetime contributions to British sport while he remained involved in as a trainer and occasional rider. These accolades, presented during his ongoing association with the industry, affirmed his enduring impact on flat .

Posthumous acknowledgments

Following his death on 29 May 2022, Lester Piggott received numerous posthumous acknowledgments from the horse community, reflecting his enduring legacy as one of the sport's greatest figures. In December 2022, the Professional Jockeys Association introduced the special 'Lester Piggott Honorary Award' at the annual Lesters Awards ceremony, presented in his memory to honor outstanding contributions to ; the inaugural recipient was Luke Morris, recognized for surpassing 2,000 career . Epsom Downs Racecourse, where Piggott secured nine Derby victories, paid immediate tribute by renaming the 2022 Cazoo Derby as "The Cazoo Derby (in memory of Lester Piggott)" for the 4 June event, marking an unprecedented honor for the race. A poignant minute's and wreath-laying took place at his pre-existing on the course on 3 June 2022, attended by racing dignitaries. In 2023, the track established a permanent by renaming its 10-furlong handicap as the Lester Piggott Handicap Stakes, sponsored by , with Frankie Dettori laying a wreath at the statue during that year's Derby on 3 June. A memorial service held on 27 October 2022 at St Luke's Church in , drew over 700 attendees from the world, including fellow jockeys, trainers, and even a former cellmate from his 1987 imprisonment, underscoring the breadth of respect for his life and career. Tributes continued annually, such as on what would have been his 89th birthday in November 2024, when shared remembrances of his achievements, and in November 2025, marking his 90th, honored him via for his legendary status. These gestures, alongside the ongoing display of his statues at key racecourses like and —commissioned in 2019 but now focal points for remembrance—cement Piggott's place in history.

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