The Greatest Jockey Of All Time! | The Legendary Lester Piggott | Three Of His Finest Rides Of All 

I grew up watching Lester with my Dad. The Minstrel, Ardross & Teenoso were stand outs for many reasons. Lost my Dad to COVID last August. Losing his racing idol in the same year is kind of poetic in a way. I hope he's now riding some winners in heaven for my Dad.. 🙏

I first became aware of Lester Piggott as a nine year old when he won the 1960 Derby on St, Paddy. I've followed racing all my life and watched hundreds of races and jockey's but Piggott was the ultimate master craftsmen, nobody else comes close.

Absolute genius in the saddle. The world will never see his like again...

I forget which racecourse I was at with my father, in the 70s. Probably Epsom or Ascot. I was standing where the horses & Jockeys exit the course, after the race, on their way to the paddock. Lester had just won a race and was passing by where I was standing. Maybe I was 11-12. I looked up at Lestor on his winning ride and shouted congratulations Lester. He looked down with a huge smile and gave me a thank you. Just one of those moments that I will never forget. Rest in peace Lestor and thank you for the memories!

So sad at the death of Lester Piggott a brilliant jockey best ever sheer class

I think his ride on Royal Academy was his greatest . To come out of retirement at 54 years old , and after only a few days , goes to America and beats the best they had , in the manner he did , was just typical of his genius in the saddle .

Rest in peace, Lester Piggott, the greatest jockey of all time.

His ride on Ribero in the St Leger was a masterpiece , the horse had a dreadful mouth abscess , and Lester knew the whole thing had to be hands and heels or defeat was guaranteed , needless to say he delivered to perfection

You never get tired of watching the true master at work.

The Minstrel. Sensational riding. It’s bloody awesome..

For me this man is the greatest there has ever been. Get well soon Mr Piggot. Xx

The greatest jockey, without question, trainers and jockeys alike would agree, a genius a

I'm only a few years younger than Lester and was lucky enough to see him ride on many occasions, including winning the Leger on the wonderful Nijinsky. So my two favourites go back a bit further. Twilight Alley winning the 1963 Ascot Gold Cup was as good a front running ride as you will ever see, on a very talented but equally fragile horse, brilliant judgement of pace against a strong field. Pieces of Eight in the Eclipse Stakes of 1966 was also great but in a different way. I'm going from memory now but it seemed at the time the horse was beaten but Lester somehow managed to get his head in front on the line with a power finish. There is no doubt in my mind he is the greatest jockey there has ever been, I've certainly not seen his equal in my time.

What a generation of jockeys and horses 🐎. Brilliant

Thanks for the memories Lester

Best ride I ever witnessed was Shoemaker on Lord at War in the Big Cap. Hand ridden all the way, he held a wall of horse off all the way down the stretch. Shoe sat chill in the saddle. Amazing to watch.

I saw him ride at Ellerslie RC in Auck. NZ. He had 6 rides for 5 wins and a second. I have never seen a jockey with such style, absolutely brilliant, a memory I shall always treasure.

That was a brilliant ride from Lester at 54 years old 👍 never be repeated 🐎

Lester Piggott is the only jockey I have seen to make a fading horse win from half a furlong from the winning pole Lester is the ultimate on the saddle certainly second to none

Every hair on my head stood to attention watching The Minstral run that race!!!

love Lester... living legend indeed...👍🇬🇧

fantastic! thank you a true legend

Just supreme The master and no one will ever come close.

Piggot was astonishing. The establishment despised him, but they knew he was a winner. When he got jailed for something they do on a daily basis, they sniggered, but this was his ultimate revenge, squeaky voice, and all...

Fantastic. Thanks for putting that up. I was only starting to get into horses when Lester won on Royal Academy, what a great story that was and at a time when European trainers didn’t send many horses to the US. Great jockey and will be missed.

From Jamaica the best jockey ever long live the legend 54 ho gosh

Ardross had lots in hand so not sure why that stands out more than some of his other victories, Royal Academy on the other hand, especially coming from retirement, one of the great rides in racing.

We Were All So Lucky To See Thee Ultimate ( King) Lester In Action { GRH}Easily Thee Best Worldwide Ever👌👍👏👏👏🎉Bravo🎉 CLASS👌

Ageing myself here! The best race I have seen Lester ride was the 1961 Vaux Gold Tankard, at Redcar on a horse called Off Key. A 'rag' at 100-7, he made all and during the course of the race was challenged by just about every other horse in the race. Piggott was never going to concede the lead and as each horse made an effort he just kept finding more and more. It was an experience that has stayed with me throughout the years. One of the few ill-judged races that I saw him ride was on Park Top in the 1969 'Arc'. Caught napping by 'Sleepy' Bill Williamson on Levmoss, his effort was far too late, much to my pleasure as I had been tipped the horse by the trainser Seamus McGrath in the spring of '69, in a pub in Co. Meath, Seamus mapping out the schedule for the horse including the Ascot Gold Cup and a handicap under a huge weight before attempting the Arc. One of the more profitable years in my betting books!

The galloping grandad , the long fellow , the living legend , that is Lester Keith Piggott ........ a true genius but a terrible accountant

When talking of Lester Puggitt's best rides or leading rides the ride on Maryland's Cookie in 1981 should be taken into consideration it was a breathtaking finish which showed Lester at his fantastic best

My all time favorite jockey. Much love from Malaysia

I loved Ardross one of my favourite race horses

Every ride by the Long Fella was a Best ride, from a Seller to a Classic he always wanted to Win! To think he nearly won an Arc on Ardross.

Sir lester piggott he was God gifted horse jockey he was phenomenal he born only doing horse riding never ever will come again like sir lester piggott he was only one salute on you he was one of the most number one jockey in the world may god give you rest and peace

Royal Academy was one of the greatest win by Lester , second great win was in Indian on Delage rank outsider horse from last to first , Greatest living legend.

lester Piggots ride on Emprey in the 1976 Epsom Derby was fantastic

Steven Ostle🙂Lester was that good that when he won the Derby on Roberto,if he had been riding the second Rheingold he would have won on that

Lester will be Robert Sangster two greats of racing one an owner the other the best jockey ever

God Bless Lester

The commentator said it all "the living legend"...we will never see the likes of him again

Piggott was to racing what Ali was to boxing a legend of his sport the likes of we'll never see again.

I was at Chester Races in 1992, my wife put a bet on Lester Piggotts mount, as the horses came in to the straight Lester was last, the Mrs said Ive no chance, then with 1/2 a furlong to go this thing just strolled passed them all, yes it was Lester, and he could have been sitting on the horse reading the Liverpool Echo thats how easy it won

The Goodwood Cup was delightful - a tape start: eliminates the ‘stall’ skeletal pressure.

Thanks for this upload, brings back memories.

My favourite was his win on the unfancied Karabas in the 1969 Washington DC International, the year after he´s been rubbished by the American press for his tactics on Sir Ivor in that race ( despite winning.)

Ryan moore frankie dettori dont make me laugh not fit to clean lesters saddle . The greatest jockey the worlds ever seen

For me his greatest ride is when he won the Derby on Roberto he virtually carried that horse over the line, no other jockey would have won that race other than Lester. As the greatest jockey who ever lived the Queen who loved racing so much should be ashamed of her self that she never gave him a Knighthood.

Willie Carson, who has to be in the top 10 Jockey's of All Time, said it best in an Interview, when he talked about the 77 Derby, when he was riding Hot Grovve: I thought i had it in the Bag and along comes God........

Back in the days when people backed horses to win The lay bet only encouraged corruption and anyone can get a horse to lose, the people in the know are the lay bets best friend but it's a bad bet for racing.

Cmon he’s got to be the greatest

Truly Phenomenal Jockey with a Classics record that even the great AP McCoy said will never be beaten. Piggott was probably the greatest ever jockey to grace a racecourse, for the Sports Personality of the Year 2022 only to show a tiny picture of him in the obituaries section for about five seconds was an absolute insult... Shame on you BBC!!!!!.....😡😡😡

The Royal Academy win was good but better was Roberto's defeat of Rheingold in the 1972 Epsom Derby - on a par with The Minstrel's short head victory over Hot Grove in 1977 which should have been in this video instead of the comfortable win of Ardross at odds on.

The Minstrel!!

Why is the Ardross ride one of his best? My gran could have won on him, he had like 20 lb in hand.

Unbelievable ride to win at the Breeders Cup … unfortunately I think that was the same BC where Dayjur jumped a shadow to cost me a nice double!! (apols if I have the wrong year!)

How in the name of all that is holy could you class Piggotts ride on Ardross as one of his best, For God's sake I could have won on him myself.

Will never be another Longfellow

Loved watching lester even though I don’t gamble I enjoyed watching horse racing especially in the classics and big races, his 2 arcs on alleged were great rides he won from a very unfavourable draw when must of the pundits said that the draw would defeat him, hold my beer I’m coming through says lester

Been watching racing for 60 years,best ride by lester, was on a lowly handicapper called Pee Mai trained by Reg Hollinshead in a race on a bank holiday monday at Doncaster.10furlongs made all won in a 3 photo lester never moved a muscle.

Hats off to the Long Fellow

Lester must love watching these

One off sports true champion

The best

Sublime ride Ardross.

One of the most phoenominal ride I ever witness by the greatest was in 1981 whereby Piggott was aboard a horse named Maryland's Cookie anyone interested in seeing greatness in action get a view of Maryland's Cookie's race

The Man Was The Best Ever

Royal academy , what a ride

He greatest ,no question.

You knew when Lester was " Holding a doudle handful " that the race was over and he was going to win.

God Bless Him ......

Best ever jockey.

The best jockey

🇬🇧Best jockey 🏇

The greatest jockey of all time is a very debatable subject. People tend to forget the jockeys from the early 1900s who rode with severe injuries, no insurance and very little money.

Do they still not use starting stalls in flat races 2 miles and over? Ardross was a mighty horse.

Lester Piggott is the only jockey I have seen doing the wind screen wiper finish with a fading horse half a furlong home winning by a short head the wind screen wiper is pushing with the left hand whilst whipping with the right hand a feat seen by no one other than the best

We had some fine jockeys in those days,mercer,hutchinson, Lewis Carson, but he was the number one

Lester Keith Pigott (November 5, 1935 - May 29, 2022) * 4,493 Wins * Height: 5 feet 8 inches * Weight: 117 pounds * British flat racing Champion Jockey 1960, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1981 & 1982 🏇 * Empson Derby Wins 1954, 1957, 1960, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1976, 1977 & 1983 🏇 * 2,000 Guineas Wins 1957, 1968, 1970, 1985 & 1992 🏇 * 1,000 Guineas Wins 1970 & 1981 🏇 * Empson Oaks Wins 1957, 1959, 1966, 1975, 1981 & 1984 * Saint Leger Stakes Wins 1960, 1961, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1984 * 1970 British Triple Crown Winner / Nijinsky 🏇 * 1990 Breeder´s Cup Mile Winner / Royal Academy 🏇 * Inducted to The British Champion Series Hall of Fame in 2021 🏇 * Order of the British Empire in 1975 (OBE) 🏇 * Rest In Peace, Champion! We´ll always remember you! * Best regards from Venezuela Lester Keith Pigott (5 de Noviembre, 1935 - 29 de Mayo, 2022) * 4.493 Primeros * Estatura: 1,73 metros * Peso: 53 kilos * Jinete Campeón de carreras planas en Gran Bretaña 1960, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1981 & 1982 🏇 * Derby de Empson 1954, 1957, 1960, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1976, 1977 & 1983 🏇 * 2.000 Guineas 1957, 1968, 1970, 1985 & 1992 🏇 * 1.000 Guineas 1970 & 1981 🏇 * Saint Leger Stakes 1960, 1961, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972 & 1984 * Empson Oaks 1957, 1959, 1966, 1975, 1981 & 1984 * Ganador de la Triple Corona Británica 1970 / Nijinsky 🏇 * Ganador de la Copa de Criadores Milla 1990 / Royal Academy 🏇 * Exaltado al Museo de la Fama de los Campeones Británicos en 2021 🏇 * Orden del Imperio Británico en 1975 (OBE) 🏇 * ¡Descansa En Paz, Campeón! ¡Siempre te recordaremos! * Saludos desde Venezuela

Sir Ivor was his best ride.

Joe mercer the first jockey I really backed in the bookies

No 1 tax avoidance 3/1 No 2 prison sentence 2/1 No 3 threetoacell, evens No 4 out on parole 8/1 No5 good behaviour 9/1 No 6 prison warden 5/1 No 7 lose your Knight hood 1/3 There at the gate and their off

I have been going to the horse race track for the last 40 years and I had never heard this jockey.

Royal Academy is unbelievable

I don't understand why the ardross ride is there 🤷🏾. When u can pick so many others.

Good horse

where was commanche runs leger?

You could never get a decent price on ardross there was very little up to his stamina

He was certainly one of the best ever but I think it worth mentioning that from 1955 to his retirement in 1968, many considered Scobie Breasley the greatest jockey of his generation and do not think I have seen any jockey who could get more out of a horse without resorting to the whip.

Lester stole these races like the Great thief he was , one of his fellow inmates stated he would cheat at cards he hated getting beat that's how great he was

To handy with the whip for me...

Who’s the commentator for the first race? Grew up recognising his voice but can’t remember?

I wish my name were Lester Piggot (or Flavian Prat).

all opinions..mine is sir ivor 68 english derby his best

The Minstrel won 'cheekily' ,,, Royal Academy won with grit and determination

He sat on a horse the horse does the work and you don't need whips it's a numbers game 🤣🤣🤖😁👀

*What was Lester Piggot Like as a person, did he sign autographs, was he popular with the other jockeys and trainers, in the USA there are jockeys with 5500 to 8000 wins, are these American Legends better, was Lester tight with money, did he ever buy a Rolls Royce, was his wife happy, so many unanswered questions, rumours are circulating he was not a pleasant or nice guy to know. In fact, hated amongst fellow Jockeys.*

LONG FELLOW SERENADE.

Interesting that Vincent thought the ride on The Minstrel was one of his worst efforts, adamant that he hit the front too soon..........it's in the book about him by Ivor herbert

The thing that is always sad in this game ,it's always been bent but these days much worse there was a time you could win now and then ,but now it's nothing but misery for proper punters putting money on you must try and leave it for your life ,they go on about piggot but he as many do got many favs beaten .