“The Long Fellow”, Lester Piggott was one of the greatest and most famous flat jockeys in history, a nine-time Derby winner whose career spanned five decades until his death in 2022.
Lester Piggott: Career Record at a Glance
| Country | England |
|---|---|
| Role | Jockey (flat) |
| Career wins | ~5,300 winners worldwide |
| Major (Group/Grade 1) wins | 30+ British Classic wins |
| Champion titles | 11× British Champion Jockey |
| Signature victories | Record nine Epsom Derby wins; the 1970 Triple Crown on Nijinsky |
| Estimated net worth (2026) | Not publicly documented |
Wins, titles and honours are drawn from public racing records; net-worth figures are best-available estimates and, for several figures, are not officially disclosed.
Early Life and Background
Lester Piggott was born on 5 November 1935 in Wantage, England, into a family steeped in racing. A child prodigy, he rode his first winner at the age of 12 and his first Epsom Derby winner at 18, embarking on a career that would span five decades and make him a household name.
Career and Major Wins
Nicknamed “The Long Fellow” for his height, Piggott rode a record nine Epsom Derby winners and was crowned British Champion Jockey 11 times. His tally of roughly 5,300 winners worldwide included more than 30 British Classics.
He captured the 1970 Triple Crown aboard the brilliant Nijinsky, one of the greatest horses of the 20th century, and remained a formidable big-race rider into his fifties — famously returning from retirement to win a Breeders’ Cup race at 54, days after resuming his career.
Style and Reputation
Piggott was renowned for his tactical genius, iron nerve and extraordinary strength in a finish. His will to win and big-race judgement made him the jockey owners wanted on their best horses on the biggest days.
Earnings and Wealth
Piggott’s personal net worth was never reliably documented, a picture famously complicated by a high-profile tax case in the late 1980s for which he served a prison sentence and was stripped of his OBE.
What is certain is that for decades he was the biggest draw in the sport, commanding the best rides and the associated fees, and remaining one of racing’s most recognisable and marketable figures until his death in 2022.
Legacy in the Sport
Lester Piggott is remembered as one of the greatest jockeys who ever lived. His nine Derby wins and five-decade career set standards that defined an era, and his name remains synonymous with big-race brilliance.
How Lester’s Fortune Compares
See how Lester compares with other racing greats: Frankie Dettori, Sir Tony McCoy, Ruby Walsh, Rachael Blackmore, Ryan Moore, Willie Mullins. For the full ranking, browse our richest jockeys and trainers guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Lester Piggott’s net worth?
Lester Piggott’s net worth was never reliably documented, a picture complicated by a high-profile tax case in the late 1980s.
How many Epsom Derbys did Lester Piggott win?
He won a record nine Epsom Derbys.
What was Lester Piggott’s nickname?
He was known as “The Long Fellow” because of his height.
When did Lester Piggott die?
He died in 2022, remembered as one of the greatest jockeys in history.