His son-in-law, legendary racing driver Lester Piggott, has died at the age of 86.
Piggott, a nine-time Derby champion, was hospitalized in Switzerland.
Over the course of a career that spanned nearly 50 years, he has driven 4,493 winners, first coming at the age of 12 at Haydock Park in 1948.
Piggott taken in 2019
His final victory also came in 1994, a few weeks before his 59th birthday. He retires next year.
Piggott was an 11-time equestrian champion between 1960-1982 and was inducted into the British Champion Hall of Fame last year.
At the very least, he served 366 days of a 3-year prison sentence in 1987 for tax evasion and was stripped of his OBE.
Piggott receiving the Ritz Club trophy from the Queen in 1981
Piggot’s son-in-law, Derby-winning coach William Haggas, said: “Sadly we can confirm that Lester passed away peacefully in Switzerland this morning.
“I really don’t want to add more than that at this stage, although Maureen (Maureen Haggas, daughter of Piggott) will make a statement later.”
Cyclist Willie Carson, who raced with Piggott in the 1970s and 80s, said: “I feel as though I’ve lost a part of my life, because Lester has been a part of my life since when I’m in racing.
“I came to him and his wife as an apprentice and he was a part of my life from start to finish. He is an iconic figure in the world of horse racing. He is a legend.”
Frankie Dettori said it was a “shock” to hear of Piggott’s death, adding: “Lester was a hero of mine and a good friend. The impact he has had in racing, on All of us, are second to none.
“I’m not old enough to remember him riding when he was at his peak, but as professional equestrian we all grew up wanting to be just like him.”
Piggott with the Queen, with Oaks winner, Carrozza, in 1957
Born in November 1935 in Wantage, Berkshire, Piggott is widely regarded as one of the greatest flat drivers.
Tall for a jockey 5 feet 8 inches tall, he is known by the nickname “The Old Man” and keeps himself 30 pounds (14kg) below his natural weight to stay competitive. .
From a racing family, he started horse racing from his father’s stable at the age of 10 and became a teenage passion.
His father, Keith, coached a Grand National winner while his grandfather, Ernest, won the famous tower race three times.
Piggott married Susan Armstrong, daughter of trainer Sam Armstrong, in 1961 and the couple moved to Newmarket.
They later separated but were still married. In addition to her eldest daughter Maureen has another daughter, Tracy.
Piggott also left his son Jamie from a relationship with his personal assistant Anna Ludlow.
