Tributes Flow For Star Piggott

No-one was expecting extravagant prose from Lester Piggott on his own raceday at Newmarket, or even anything straying from his usual modesty, but many others were more than happy to do the talking.

It depends what country you are from, of course, but not many of those present at the Rowley Mile would rank anyone else as the greatest jockey of all time.

'It's terrific, a great compliment,' said Piggott of the occasion, when interviewed by his daughter Tracy.

He looked dapper and in great condition, having recovered from the health problems that saw the event transferred from its original date in May.

Great memories and bonhomie towards the 71-year-old shaped the course of the afternoon.

After 30 British Classic winners and even a street named after him, Sir Peter O'Sullevan called for Piggott to be given the final honour of knighthood.

'Lester is the longest serving athlete, probably not just in our time, but of all time,' said the great broadcaster.

'For more than 30 years he has been practising his consummate art at 21lb below his natural bodyweight. It is amazing he's the sane individual he is today.

'And personally, I will never be truly happy until this talent is recognised.'

There were plenty of tales of Piggott's notorious parsimony.

Joe Mercer, a brilliant rider himself who has known the great man since he was 13, recalled: 'I used to drive Lester's Jaguar a lot and I remember once we were going home from Nottingham.

'We were cutting through Oxford to get back to Wantage and got stuck behind a slow driver. ?Take him,' said Lester. There was a lorry coming the other way but Lester insisted ?Take him!'

'We took the bumper off the other car and had to stop. I asked Lester for his insurance details, but Lester replied ?you were driving, give him yours!'?

Piggott presented several prizes including that of the feature Victor Chandler Nijinsky Handicap, one of seven races named after his septet of Classic winners at the course.

There was a ?Lester The Legend' display with photos and memorabilia while other friends and colleagues, such as Julie Cecil, Jimmy Lindley and Bruce Raymond, chipped in with their own recollections.

Mercer reckoned Piggott's secret was being able to think half a furlong ahead of his rivals, while Lindley opined: 'He just had a great knack of getting horses settled and sitting with his weight above the horse's withers.'

No-one could reach the same heights without being ruthless and many a jockey was a victim to Piggott's steely temperament.

Lindley added: 'He did ride over hurdles at one time and I remember being clear at Sandown on a horse who had won about five in a row.

'Suddenly I looked to the inside rail and saw Lester. I said ?you can't go there Lester'. He said ?I'm there!'?

(C) PA Sport