Lester Piggott: we all know about the maestro but how many really know him?
He walked into the room and they rose to their feet. At that particular moment the old man had done nothing. The reason why 32 wannabe riding stars at the Curragh's RACE apprentice school were giving Lester Piggott a standing ovation was because of all he had once done. He had been the symbol of their sport.
It was the Monday after this year's Irish Guineas weekend. Piggott had been asked by long-time friend Nick O'Toole to visit the students before heading home. Given the boys and girls were still not thought of when even his second coming came and went, the guest of honour had not expected such acclaim. When he got it, he liked it. He does care, you know.
"Lester was over the moon," says O'Toole. "As we left he was elated and said: 'You need young blood. They are the future'."
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Published on 15 July 2019inFeatures
Last updated 14:56, 16 July 2019
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