It is the first Saturday of June of 1954. As per tradition, in Surreyeverything is ready for the famous Epsom Derby, the “richest” British race and the most prestigious of five Classics: the eyes of horse lovers they are aimed there, including those of the young woman Queen Elizabeth, ascended the throne two years earlier. In that race, the 18-year-old triumphed by surprise Lester Piggotta big boy of almost six feet, who soon managed to make yourself known worldwide.
Today Long Fellow – this is his nickname – he died in Swiss, where he spent the last part of his life. He had 86 years old, including 46 career: he put together well 4493 victories, including precisely 9 triumphs at Epsom racecourse, a record, and 11 al Royal Ascot. Taciturn, not inclined to express emotions, he followed a strict diet which allowed him to control his weight: it is considered one of the strongest jockeys in history and – writes the Sun – was absolutely “Her Majesty’s favorite“.
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The last meeting between the two dates back to 2019when Elizabeth was called for unveil a statue of Piggott to Epsom, with him present. In 1987, among other things, it was also condemned to three years in prison for tax evasion and it seems that the queen did not take the news well. In fact, she whispered that she wanted “do it lord for his ability to win all races », reads an old article by Republicbut every purpose – if there really were – was shipwrecked after the judge’s sentence.
After serving his sentence, Lester has started again to be a coach: in 2007 it had been bad, but a ready hospitalization he had averted the worst. Today, however, the world of horse racing mourns and celebrates it: perhaps also the sovereignin his residence in Balmoral where is recovering energy in view of the celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee, he will be rewinding the tape of memories and thinking about how many times he has seen Piggott win. He who knows that the first was in Epsom in 1954.
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Source: Vanity Fair
