Lester Piggott leads tributes to old rival and pal Pat Eddery

Legendary former jockey Lester Piggott last night described Pat Eddery as “ a natural horseman” after his close friend died in the early hours of yesterday morning, aged 63.

Piggott and Eddery both won the jockeys’ championship 11 times and enjoyed an intense, yet satisfying, rivalry on the racecourse.

“Pat Eddery was as fierce an opponent on the racecourse as he was a loyal and dear friend off it,” said Piggott.

“He was a natural horseman. He exuded class and always knew what to do in a race.

“The horses he was associated with speak for themselves, and I doubt you’d find a jockey with a sharper tactical brain or stronger in a finish.

“He was a huge personality in the weighing room, and wasn’t slow to keep us all grounded with his wit and sense of humour.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Three-times champion Richard Hughes was saddened to learn of Eddery’s death.

“It’s a great shame,” said Hughes, who is now a trainer.

“I remember the epic battle he had with Steve Cauthen in the 80s very well, and he also rode winners for my dad (Dessie Hughes).

“His greatest attribute was that I never once saw a horse pull with him on the way to the start — he had such great hands and was a perfect build.

“He was the same with everybody. It didn’t matter who you were, a claimer or a champion.

“I never once heard him moan to anybody about getting tightened up or whatever else happened out on the track. It’s a sad day as he was a good friend.”

Eddery’s tally of 4,632 winners even exceeded the 4,357 haul of AP McCoy and the 20-times jumps champion was one of a number of Irish jockeys to pay tribute on social media.

McCoy tweeted: “Very sad news to hear of the passing of Pat Eddery true genius in the saddle #legend.”

Pat Smullen said: ““Very sad news about Pat Eddery, an absolute #Legend both as a jockey and a man.”

Johnny Murtagh wrote: “Sad to hear the passing of legendary jockey Pat Eddery, everybody looked up to him in the weigh room, real pro and a gentleman.”

Kieren Fallon said: “Very sad to hear the news of Pat Eddery, one of the best jockeys around & a true professional, prayers are with his family.”

Former champion National Hunt jockey and Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Jonjo O’Neill said: “Very sad to hear the news of Pat Eddery. A true legend of the sport.”

A statement issued by the office of Pat Eddery said: “Pat passed away suddenly in the early hours of this morning. He was a legend that will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.”