Epsom planning to honour legend Piggott at the Derby meeting

Epsom will pay tribute to Lester Piggott at this weekend's Derby meeting following the death of the legendary jockey on Sunday.

The course was home to many of Piggott's biggest victories including a record nine Derby successes and six Oaks wins, the last of which came in 1984 on Circus Plume.

The jockey was honoured at Epsom with the Lester Piggott Gate in 1997, which displays his famous Classic winners, and a bronze statue unveiled in 2019.

Lester Piggott, legendary jockey and nine-time Derby winner, dies aged 86

"Everyone at Epsom Downs is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lester Piggott," Jockey Club's London regional director Phil White said. "To win nine Derbys and six runnings of the Oaks over a career which spanned five decades is an extraordinary achievement which may never be surpassed.

"As we build up to this year's race we will ensure that his passing is recognised in an appropriate way over the duration of the two days. The Lester Piggott gates at the entrance to Epsom Downs and his statue which overlooks the winning line will always honour one of our sport's great champions."

The Queen and Lester Piggott in 2019 at the unveiling of his statue at EpsomCredit: Edward Whitaker

One notable absentee from the Piggott tributes at Epsom could be the Queen, who The Sunday Times reported was unlikely to attend this year's Derby meeting in order to pace herself for the Platinum Jubilee weekend.

Buckingham Palace declined to confirm if the monarch would be at Epsom for the Cazoo Derby on Saturday having only missed the meeting twice in her 70-year reign, stating a decision would be made "nearer the time".

Newmarket also paid tribute to Piggott with general manager Sophie Able hailing the "true racing icon" who claimed his last British success at the track in the 1992 2,000 Guineas with Rodrigo De Triano.

"The team at Newmarket racecourses are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lester Piggott. To win 30 British Classics, with the last coming aboard Rodrigo De Triano in the 2,000 Guineas 30 years ago this year, is an achievement which may never be surpassed," Able said.

Piggott, who passed at the age of 86, claimed 30 Classic victories in a career that spanned 46 years and included an astonishing winning tally of around 5,300.

Piggott claimed his fifth 2,000 Guineas success on Rodrigo De Triano at NewmarketCredit: Gerry & Mark Cranham

The lasting legacy the jockey left on racing was recognised by BHA chief executive Julie Harrington, who said: "For generations of British sports fans, Lester Piggott is synonymous with horseracing. From those who enjoyed the occasional flutter to those who followed racing day in, day out, the question of which horse Lester was riding was always key.

"His achievements in the saddle, and the longevity of his career, are remarkable and it was clear when statues of Lester were unveiled at racecourses across the country recently that there remains a tremendous public affection for one of the greatest riders to have ever lived.

"The thoughts of everybody at the BHA are with Lester's family and friends on this sad day, as are our thanks for an unforgettable life and contribution to racing."

Lester Piggott:

Obituary: child prodigy who blossomed into a riding legend and statesman

The remarkable facts and figures behind Lester Piggott's career

In his own words: 'It was quite a bad punishment, wasn't it? It was almost inhumane'

Lester Piggott Q&A: a brilliant interview with the record-breaking champion

Appreciation: 'His cut-throat mentality was unmatched in the history of the turf'

'He was my idol growing up' - Mick Kinane on his admiration for Lester Piggott

Aidan O'Brien: 'Incredible man' Lester Piggott left unbelievable mark on us all

Racecourse brilliance and quieter moments: Lester Piggott in photographs

'Lester went wrong way round a roundabout to pass me! No wonder he was champion'

Nine Derbys, 30 British Classics and winners worldwide - Lester by the numbers