Piggott taken to hospital

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The greatest jockey of his generation, if not all time, fell ill in December and spent several days in hospital before returning home to recuperate.

His son-in-law, Newmarket trainer William Haggas, told www.telegraph.co.uk: "The latest news we have is that Lester is conscious and coherent."

Piggott's wife Susan and daughter Maureen Haggas are believed to have flown to Switzerland to be at his bedside.

The 11-times champion rider, 71, was first admitted to West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds after feeling unwell on Christmas Eve on his return from a trip to Hong Kong. He was released five days later.

Piggott retired in 1994 after 4,493 career wins, including nine Derby victories, his first coming in 1954 on Never Say Die.

Piggott was due to attend a special race day in his honour at Newmarket on Saturday, his local course having been the setting for many of his greatest triumphs.

Members of his family, including his other daughter Tracy and brother-in-law Robert Armstrong, and friends including Sir Peter O'Sullevan and former jockeys Jimmy Lindley and Bruce Raymond were expected to join him.

It is 50 years since the first of Piggott's seven Guineas winners, after whom the races on 'Lester Piggott Day', sponsored by Betdirect, are named.

The National Horseracing Museum has borrowed pictures, trophies and memorabilia from Piggott's home to create a special display in a racecourse marquee.