Lester Piggott, one of the most iconic figures in horse racing history, left an indelible mark on the sport during his illustrious career spanning nearly five decades.
From his early days as a child prodigy to his later years as a revered veteran, Piggott's journey was filled with triumphs, controversies, and an unwavering passion for racing.
Born on November 5, 1935, in Wantage, Berkshire, England, Lester Keith Piggott came from a family deeply rooted in horse racing.
His grandfather, Ernie Piggott, was a successful jockey who won the Grand National three times on Jerry M in 1912 and Poethlyn in 1918 and 1919, while his father, Keith, was a prominent trainer.
Piggott's introduction to racing came at an exceptionally young age. He began riding horses from his father's stable when he was just ten years old.
His natural talent quickly became apparent, and he won his first race in 1948, at the tender age of 12, riding a horse called The Chase at Haydock Park.
This early success was a sign of the extraordinary career that lay ahead.
Famous Wins
Piggott's list of achievements is nothing short of remarkable.
He won a total of 4,493 races in Britain alone, with his worldwide tally estimated at around 5,300.
His most notable accomplishments include:
- Nine Epsom Derby victories, a record that still stands today
- Eleven British Champion Jockey titles
- Thirty British Classic wins, including eight St. Leger Stakes and five 2,000 Guineas
- A record 116 Royal Ascot wins
- Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe three times in 1973, 1977 and 1978
His nine Epsom Derby wins came from Never Say Die (1954), Crepello (1957), St. Paddy (1960), Sir Ivor (1968), Nijinsky (1970), Roberto (1972), Empery (1976), The Minstrel (1977), and Teenoso (1983).
However, his most famous victories came in 1970 when he rode Nijinsky to win the Triple Crown (2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, and St. Leger), a feat that has not been repeated in over 50 years, underscoring its significance and difficulty.
Nijinsky, trained by Vincent O'Brien, was an exceptional racehorse who was the first to win the Triple Crown since Bahram in 1935, ending a 35-year drought.
The Triple Crown victory remains a defining moment in racing history and a crowning achievement in Lester Piggott's illustrious career.
It showcased not only the horse's exceptional talent but also Piggott's skill as a jockey in guiding Nijinsky through three very different races to achieve racing immortality.
Personal Life & Knighthood
In 1960, Piggott married Susan Armstrong, daughter of trainer Sam Armstrong. They had two daughters together.
However, Piggott's personal life was not without complications. He also had a son from a relationship with his personal assistant, Anna Ludlow.
While Piggott was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1975 for his services to horse racing, he never received a knighthood.
Retirement
Piggott initially retired from racing in 1985 at the age of 50 to become a trainer.
However, his training career was cut short by legal troubles when he was convicted of tax fraud in 1987.
It amounted to £3.25 million (equivalent to about £9.4 million in 2023), and was, at the time, the largest individual tax fraud case in British history.
The fraud involved failing to disclose substantial amounts of income over a 15-year period from 1970 to 1985.
That included £1.36 million of riding income and £1 million from bloodstock operations.
Instead, Piggott had channelled his earnings into bank accounts in Switzerland, the Bahamas, Singapore, and the Cayman Islands to keep them away from tax inspectors.
Piggott was sentenced to three years in prison for tax evasion. He ultimately served 366 days before being released.
As a result of this conviction, Piggott was stripped of his OBE, which he had been awarded for his services to horse racing.
After his release from prison, Piggott continued negotiations with the Revenue over further amounts of unpaid tax.
In 1989, he reached a final settlement, paying an additional £4,432,364.
The following year, in a surprising turn of events, he returned to racing in 1990 at the age of 54.
He rode his last winner in 1994 and officially retired in 1995 at the age of 59. To be fair, he probably needed the money at that stage!
How Much Was He Worth?
Before the tax man got his hands on him, in 1987, Piggott's wealth was valued at approximately £20 million.
While exact earnings aren't provided, his level of success would have resulted in significant prize money, certainly based on what the Inland Revenue believed it was owed.
It's worth noting that jockey earnings in Piggott's era were likely lower than today's top jockeys.
For comparison, modern top jockeys like Ryan Moore and Frankie Dettori have won over £125 million and £147.4 million for owners, respectively.
While an exact figure for Piggott's career earnings isn't provided, the £20 million net worth estimate from 1987 and the scale of his tax evasion suggest he earned millions of pounds throughout his career, making him one of the wealthiest jockeys of his time.
How Tall Was He?
Piggott was unusually tall for a flat racing jockey, standing at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m), which earned him the nickname “The Long Fellow.”
His height posed challenges in maintaining the low weight required for jockeys, often leading him to adopt strict dieting regimens.
Piggott developed a unique riding style, characterised by his high posture and short stirrups, which became widely imitated in the racing world.
Death and Legacy
Lester Piggott passed away on May 29, 2022, in Geneva, Switzerland, at the age of 86.
The specific cause of death was not disclosed, but his son-in-law reported that he died peacefully after a short hospital stay.
As of now, there is no public information about where he is buried, though a private family funeral was held a month after his death at St Luke’s Church in Chelsea.
Piggott's greatest contribution to horse racing was undoubtedly his riding style and his ability to get the best out of horses.
He revolutionised the way jockeys rode, introducing a more forward-seated position that is now standard in the sport.
His competitive nature and tactical brilliance on the track set new standards for jockeys worldwide.
His legacy extends beyond his riding achievements. Piggott became a household name, bringing horse racing to a wider audience and inspiring generations of jockeys.
Despite controversies, including his conviction for tax fraud, Piggott remained a respected figure in the racing world until his death.
Newmarket
In Newmarket, the home of British horse racing, Piggott's impact is immortalised.
A street bears his name, and he has a paving stone on the town's “Legends of the Turf” walk of fame.
In 2019, a bronze statue of Piggott was unveiled at Newmarket's Rowley Mile racecourse, cementing his status as one of the greatest figures in the sport's history.
Lester Piggott's life story is one of extraordinary talent, relentless ambition, and human fallibility.
From his early days as a child prodigy to his final years as a revered elder statesman of racing, Piggott's journey captivated the public and left an indelible mark on the sport of kings.
His record-breaking achievements, unique riding style, and complex personality ensure that he will be remembered not just as a great jockey but as a true legend of horse racing.
