Horse racing legend Lester Piggott dies aged 86

Horse racing legend Lester Piggott has died aged 86.

The nine-time Epsom Derby winner is widely regarded as one of the greatest jockeys of all time.

Piggott had been in hospital in Switzerland since last week.

Piggot’s son-in-law, Derby-winning trainer William Haggas, said: ‘Sadly we can confirm that Lester died peacefully in Switzerland this morning.

‘I really don’t wish to add much more than that at this stage, although Maureen will be making a statement later.’

Piggott’s racing career lasted almost 50 years and he rode 4,493 winners, the third-highest tally in British history behind Sir Gordon Richards and Pat Eddery.

He was crowned champion jockey 11 times and won 30 English Classic overall.

His nine victories in the Derby is a record which still stands today.

Piggott won his first Derby in 1954 on 33-1 outsider Never Say Die in 1954 and became the youngest 20th-century jockey to win the race.

His ninth and final Derby winner came 29 years later on Teeneso in 1983.

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