Home for Christmas: Lester Piggott leaves hospital on Sunday

All-time riding great Lester Piggott was discharged from Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge on Sunday after getting the thumbs-up from doctors following his recent heart problems.

The 83-year-old, who was champion jockey 11 times and rode nine Derby winners, was fitted with a pacemaker during his stay in hospital, which lasted more than two weeks.

After initially being admitted to hospital in London, Piggott was last week transferred to Cambridge, and he was visited by many of his family during his stay, including his daughter Maureen Haggas.

She said on Sunday: "Dad has left hospital today, which is great news, and the doctors have been pleased with how his heart has settled down – these things take time when you're 83.

"Needless to say he'll be taking it easy over Christmas and hopefully build his strength back up into the new year. Thanks for all the kind messages from people during this time."

Frankie Dettori and Lester Piggott at DoncasterCredit: Edward Whitaker

Bruce Raymond, a former weighing room colleague of Piggott, said: "I saw Lester in hospital last week and he was making good progress. It's great news that he's out for Christmas."

Piggott, who rode about 5,300 winners worldwide, is expected to spend Christmas and new year in Newmarket.

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