Lester Piggott has been a jockey for more than 40 years, during which time he has achieved the status of a legend. As a jockey he has more than 5000 victories, more than anyone else. The Englishman is now 86 years old, lives in Switzerland – and apparently has to be treated now.
The gallop world is worried about jockey icon Lester Piggott. According to his family, the 86-year-old Englishman had to be hospitalized in his adopted country of Switzerland. The reasons for Piggott’s hospitalization are not known.
“He’s struggling a bit, but he’s a tough man. Hopefully he’ll pull through and come home as soon as possible,” said Piggott’s son-in-law William Haggas on English TV channel Sky Sport. As the trainer further announced, the legendary winner received a visit from his son Jamie at his bedside last Sunday. Piggott’s daughter Maureen Haggas had also announced for the beginning of the week.
Piggott is considered the most successful jockey in the history of turf sports. Despite his unusual height of 1.73 meters for a jockey, “the tall fellow” rode to over 5000 victories in his career from 1954 to his final descent from the saddle in 1995 at the age of around 60. Piggott celebrated more than 100 successes 25 times within one year.
His greatest triumphs include his three victories in the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Paris-Longchamp. The Englishman also celebrated three victories in the German Derby on the racecourse in Hamburg-Horn, including his unforgettable triumph in 1957 on the Erlenhofer Orsini. Piggott repeated this success in 1963 on Fanfar and four years later on Luciano. The star jockey was also victorious on German runs in 1967 at the Diana Prize in Düsseldorf-Grafenberg and in 1983 at the Europa Prize in Cologne-Weidenpesch.
Besides the German Derby, Piggott won 17 other derby races. The top rider won the English derby nine times alone. At the Royal Race Weeks at the famous Ascot racecourse, Piggott rode a winning horse 116 times, making it the record winner at the annual English high society tryst.
It is not the first time that there is a question mark behind Piggott’s health. As early as 15 years ago, the “horse whisperer” from the English county of Oxfordshire, who is already remembered in Ascot and at eight other places on the island, had to be treated in the intensive care unit of a clinic because of recurring heart problems.
