'He'd be thrilled looking down on us now' - Tracy Piggott pays heartfelt tribute

Tracy Piggott has paid a heartfelt and touching tribute to her late father Lester, describing the iconic rider as an "inspiring" figure who lived and breathed the sport right until the final stages of his life.

The world of horseracing has been mourning the loss of a legend since Piggott died peacefully at the age of 86 in Switzerland on Sunday morning, having been in hospital recently.

His legacy as one of the greatest horsemen of any generation had long been assured after a remarkable career that yielded 4,493 domestic winners, 11 jockeys' titles and a record 30 British Classics.

Tracy Piggott, who spent more than three decades as a broadcaster with RTÉ Racing, told the Racing Post that her father passed away peacefully in the company of his partner Barbara.

Details have yet to be finalised for his funeral, which is set to be a small and private gathering in Switzerland, followed by a thanksgiving service in England at a later date.

"I think it's nice for people to know that he just quietly slipped away," said Piggott.

"Barbara was there and she said it was so typical of him, so quiet. He could walk into a room and you wouldn't even hear him coming. I think that's why horses responded to him because he had that quietness about him."

Tracy Piggott and daughter Thea at the unveiling of the statue in honour of the legendary riderCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

She added: "From the early part of the year, he started having some health issues and was getting weaker - but he was so strong-willed. He was so determined and focused.

"It started to impact his motivation but his mind was as sharp as ever. He still followed racing, especially William [Haggas] and Maureen's horses, living and breathing it. That kept him going.

"Our family was so blessed to have him with us in September when Eamonn [Leigh] and I got married. He also got that lovely award on Champions Day at Ascot and we were able to be there with him.

"As any family member would understand, we all hoped and prayed that it wouldn't be drawn out for him towards the end."

Piggott said the outpouring of messages and tributes from around the globe have been warmly received by her family during a difficult time. She described her father's bond with horses as "poetry in motion".

"I was delighted to hear some of the funny stories," she said. "I think it's wonderful that people know he did have this really dry sense of humour.

"He was often up to mischief and it's a side that we always knew. When he was in the zone, though, that was it. He was an out-and-out professional. It was inspiring to see."

She added: "Growing up, I was very aware he had a great talent and ability, but apart from anything else was his affinity with the horse. It was poetry in motion. Sometimes you'd watch him on a horse and they'd almost become one.

Lester Piggott: died at the age of 86 on Sunday morningCredit: Mark Leech/Offside

"It was his timing, the way he'd find a gap, the way he'd never panic. It was just unbelievable. Another thing that amazed me was his ability to know everything about the opposition. He was fascinating."

Piggott made special mention of her gratitude for being able to carve out a career in broadcasting with the help of her father. Alongside her daughter Thea, she unveiled a statue honouring the 'The Long Fellow' at the Curragh on Irish 2,000 Guineas day this month.

She said: "When I came to Ireland back in the early 1980s, it was really because of the Irish people's love for him that I was taken in so well and made to feel so welcome.

"Without him, my opportunity to have a career with RTE would never have happened. He gave me so much in my life and I'm so appreciative of it.

"The way people responded to the unveiling of his statue at the Curragh – and the way they always have been when it came to daddy – has always been very special to me."

Asked how she believes her father would like to be remembered, Piggott replied: "He'd probably say, 'As the greatest', or something like that – it would be a one-liner.

"I heard him say a few times that people might have forgotten about him, or that nobody remembers him, but I think looking down now he'd be so thrilled. He'd be absolutely chuffed watching and listening to everything.

"Maybe being in Switzerland made him feel like that, but I know when he came to meetings in England and Ireland he was never forgotten. I think he'd like to be remembered as the greatest."

Lester Piggott:

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

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

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

Chris Wall: 'It was the first and last time Lester bought me anything'