‘The greatest of all time’: Lester Piggott dies aged 86

The equestrian world is mourning the loss of one of the greatest Flat jockeys of all time, Lester Piggott, who died on 29 May aged 86.

Lester’s family confirmed he died “peacefully” in Switzerland on Sunday morning. He had been receiving treatment in hospital that week.

Known for his unique and distinctive style, the “Long Fellow”, who was almost 5ft 8in tall, had a background steeped in racing. Lester’s grandfather Ernie was a champion jump jockey, his father Keith a successful jockey turned trainer, and his mother Iris was of the great Rickaby racing family.

Lester rode his first winner aged 12, and his first Derby winner six years later, when he rode Never Say Die to victory at Epsom in 1954. He was champion jockey 11 times, and won a record 30 British Classics.

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Article written by: Becky Murray