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Lester: Return of a Legend
Lester Piggott's return to the saddle at the age of 55 in October 1990 was arguably been the greatest comeback in sporting history.
Despite an absence of five years, one of which was spent in jail for tax evasion, he was soon demonstrating so much of the old skill and sorcery that it seemed as if he had never been away.
And 1992 was another fantastic year for Piggott: he won his record-breaking 30th British Classic, and even his horrific fall in the Breeders Cup did not shake his determination to continue racing.
By talking to many of Piggott's closest associates and friends — like the millionaire owner Robert Sangster, leading trainers Vincent O'Brien and Henry Cecil — and obtaining stories and material never previously published, John Karter has built up a fascinating portrait of this most enigmatic of men and most remarkable of careers.
Despite an absence of five years, one of which was spent in jail for tax evasion, he was soon demonstrating so much of the old skill and sorcery that it seemed as if he had never been away.
And 1992 was another fantastic year for Piggott: he won his record-breaking 30th British Classic, and even his horrific fall in the Breeders Cup did not shake his determination to continue racing.
By talking to many of Piggott's closest associates and friends — like the millionaire owner Robert Sangster, leading trainers Vincent O'Brien and Henry Cecil — and obtaining stories and material never previously published, John Karter has built up a fascinating portrait of this most enigmatic of men and most remarkable of careers.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 26, 2023
Thank you for a great read about an extraordinary life.
I did not know anything about Lester Piggott when I picked up the book; I had read many books by author Dick Francis and thought it might be interesting to read about an actual jockey. I was hooked from the very few paragraphs in the prologue. Karter gives a glimpse of an extraordinary man's life filled with passion for riding/ horseracing, a single-minded essential for his art, Lester's riding truly is art from his incredible detailed knowledge of each horse, and fellow riders' abilities. His utter consuming desire to keep learning, his courage, are mind boggling.
I am happy that Karter gives a look at Lester's downfall with the tax revenue debacle a gentle hand, and really does bring home that this incident should not define the man Lester is.
I hope many readers pick up this book, even if having had no interest in horseracing, or jockeys, or even horses, because you will be amazed, in awe, and teary-eyed at times reading about this most singular man.
I spent hours looking him up and made the bookeven better, seeing that wonderful craggy face for myself.
One thing I missed in the book - no photos!
Thank you, John Karter, for this book.
I did not know anything about Lester Piggott when I picked up the book; I had read many books by author Dick Francis and thought it might be interesting to read about an actual jockey. I was hooked from the very few paragraphs in the prologue. Karter gives a glimpse of an extraordinary man's life filled with passion for riding/ horseracing, a single-minded essential for his art, Lester's riding truly is art from his incredible detailed knowledge of each horse, and fellow riders' abilities. His utter consuming desire to keep learning, his courage, are mind boggling.
I am happy that Karter gives a look at Lester's downfall with the tax revenue debacle a gentle hand, and really does bring home that this incident should not define the man Lester is.
I hope many readers pick up this book, even if having had no interest in horseracing, or jockeys, or even horses, because you will be amazed, in awe, and teary-eyed at times reading about this most singular man.
I spent hours looking him up and made the bookeven better, seeing that wonderful craggy face for myself.
One thing I missed in the book - no photos!
Thank you, John Karter, for this book.
Displaying 1 of 1 review