Derby legend Lester Piggott unveils new life-size statue at Newmarket

A life-size bronze statue of legendary jockey Lester Piggott was unveiled at Newmarket on Saturday, one of nine effigies to commemorate his record number of Derby winners.

The ceremony fittingly coincided with the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes, a race Piggott won an unprecedented ten times, the first success coming on Crepello in 1956.

Frankie Dettori unveiled the statue alongside the 83-year-old racing great, who posed for photos with current members of the weighing room.

"It's a real honour to have Lester here," said Amy Starkey, Jockey Club regional director east. "He's a legend. After riding his first winner as a 12-year-old he had the most amazing career.

"What people like Frankie and Lester do for racing is incredible because they broaden its appeal. Lester made riding look so easy and we'll be eternally grateful for what he achieved in the sport.

"Frankie hit the nail on the head when he said Lester had won the Dewhurst ten times and it took him until last year to win his first with Too Darn Hot. That crystallises Lester's success."

The nine statues were commissioned by David and Christopher St George for whose family Piggott rode many top-class horses, including dual Gold Cup winner Ardross.

To commemorate the jockey's Classic winners, the project will also produce 30 maquettes, which will be exact replicas of the statue.

The painting of Sheikh Mohammed and Dubai Millennium presented at NewmarketCredit: Jonathan Harding

The Jockey Club later presented Sheikh Mohammed with a painting of the owner-breeder alongside his beloved Dubai Millennium.

It was produced by artist Paul Benney, who had previously painted the Queen alongside her unforgettable Gold Cup winner Estimate.

Godolphin's founder was at Newmarket to collect the painting and witness Pinatubo land the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes.

Another version of the painting was also commissioned and will be shown in the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket.

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