Lester Piggott

[rickP]

Legend Piggott in intensive care

The 11-time champion jockey Lester Piggott is in intensive care in a Switzerland hospital following the recurrence of a heart problem.
Piggott, 71, fell ill in December and spent several days in hospital before returning home to recuperate.

His wife Susan and daughter Maureen Haggas are believed to have flown to Switzerland to be at his bedside.

His son-in-law, trainer William Haggas, said: "The latest news we have is that Lester is conscious and coherent."

Piggott retired in 1994 after 4,493 career wins, including nine Derby victories, his first coming in 1954 on Never Say Die.

He was due to attend a special race day in his honour at Newmarket on Saturday, where he enjoyed some of his greatest triumphs.

Members of his family, including his other daughter Tracey and brother-in-law Robert Armstrong, and friends including Sir Peter O'Sullevan and former jockeys Jimmy Lindley and Bruce Raymond were expected to join him.

It is 50 years since the first of Piggott's seven Guineas winners, after whom the races on 'Lester Piggott Day' are named.

The National Horseracing Museum has borrowed pictures, trophies and memorabilia from Piggott's home to create a special display in a racecourse marquee.

From www.bbc.co.uk/sport/racing
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[rickP]

I certainly wish him all the best
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[ollymac]

I see they are postponing his tribute day on saturday i hope he is around for the rearraged date in september. one of the best!

[rickP]

From www.bbc.co.uk/sport

New plan for Piggott tribute day

A day of racing to honour legendary former champion jockey Lester Piggott will be held at Newmarket in September.
Organisers postponed the original May event when Piggott, 71, was taken to hospital with a heart problem.

But the 11-times champion is making a good recovery and plans to attend the rescheduled tribute on 22 September.

"We're looking forward to a wonderful occasion when his many fans can honour Britain's greatest jockey," said Newmarket boss Lisa Hancock.

A big crowd is expected at the Suffolk course, which is Piggott's local track.

Racegoers will be able to relive some of the greatest moments of his career on a big TV screen, and savour a display of memorabilia and iconic photographs assembled by the National Horseracing Museum.

The races will be named after Piggott's seven Guineas winners at Newmarket, 50 years on from the first of them - Crepello's triumph in the 2,000 Guineas in 1957.

Close friend Sir Peter O'Sullevan, the former BBC TV racing commentator, will sign books at the course alongside the ex-jockey.

"There will be a souvenir racecard and some of the people who knew Lester best during his riding career will pay tribute to him over the PA system between races," added Hancock.

Bookmaker Victor Chandler, another friend of Piggott, has agreed to sponsor five of the races.

The firm's spokesman Neal Wilkins said: "Having ridden winners through six decades, Lester's sporting feats are unparalleled by any other sportsman."

Piggott retired in 1994 after 4,493 career wins, including nine Derby victories, his first coming in 1954 on Never Say Die.

Campaigners have been calling for the Queen to give Piggott back his OBE.

He was stripped of the honour after being given a three-year jail term in 1987 for tax offences
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