Legendary jockey Lester Piggott dies aged 86 as tributes flood in

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Legendary jockey Lester Piggott has died at the age of 86.

Piggott is widely regarded as one of the greatest flat racing jockeys of all time having managed 4,493 wins during an illustrious career. He had been hospitalised in Switzerland earlier this month with a reported heart condition, and there was hope that the nine-time Derby winner was on the mend.

Though he sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning with tributes flooding in for the 11-time Champion jockey. One fan wrote: "Just woken up to very sad news, he was a class apart in the saddle."

While another added: "Sad news Lester Piggott as passed away. Brilliant jockey for for about 5 decades winning everything. Sad day."

Piggott was just 12 years of age when he rode his first winner back in 1948 which started a career which ended over 40 years later.

He won a record 30 British Classics as well as 116 Royal Ascot victories.

Presenter Rishi Persad added: "Lester Piggott. The best jockey and one of the most iconic sport stars to have ever lived. RIP."

While another fan commented: "Sad news, a very sad day. Thank you Lester for the terrific memories…a true legend. My tears are flowing so goodness knows how his family feels. Bless you."Piggott often found himself on trouble both on and off the course and was convicted of tax fraud in 1987 and sentenced to 3 years in prison.

Though he had been often seen at racecourses in recent years and passes with just days to go until this year's Derby at Epsom.

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