Lester Piggott died in Switzerland today. He was 86.
The legendary flat racing jockey was born in 1935 into a famous racing family. He won his first winner at 12.
Piggott won his first Epsom Derby on Never Say Die. It was the first of nine Epsom Derbys he would win.
Legend has it that after his win on Never Say Die, the 18-year-old young man avoided the celebrations and instead went home and cut his father’s lawn.
He had a long and successful relationship with Irish trainer Vincent O’Brien and always said the best horse he ever rode was Derby winner Sir Ivor, trained by O’Brien.
He was partially deaf and also had a slight speech impediment. It meant people often thought he was rude. But he did often use it to his advantage.
It was joked that he could ride between rails and the paint, so dexterous was he in the saddle.
He was a regular visitor at the Curragh where he had many famous victories. As a result of his links with the Curragh he made many lifelong friends in Ireland, especially in County Kildare.
Tracy Piggott, who worked for RTE, is his daughter.
The world has the gift of throwing up geniuses from time to time. Piggott was one of the those geniuses.
He was a great man and masterclass jockey.
It’s difficult to comprehend that Pioggott is gone.
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