Diamond day for Piggott

Newmarket's Lester Piggott Day appears to have been enjoyed as much by the peerless jockey's legion of fans and contemporaries as it was by the great man himself.

Piggott looked in top trim at Headquarters, having recovered from the health problems that saw the event created in his honour transferred from its original date in May.

When interviewed by his daughter Tracy on Saturday, the 71-year-old described the occasion as "terrific" - and there were certainly no arguments from those in attendance.

Reflecting on Saturday's events, Newmarket's managing director Lisa Hancock said: "Lester was on great form yesterday and that really made it for me.

"He and his family were visibly enjoying it all and Sir Peter O'Sullevan paid magnificent tribute to him, which was so heartfelt.

"It was just a great day and there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout."

Hancock says the appreciation shown by the crowds was emphatic, as expected, with a huge slice of the racegoing demographic making the journey to Newmarket.

"Everyone was wandering around enjoying themselves and we were bowled over by the reception to Lester himself, and to all the displays we had," she continued.

"There was a queue snaking out of the exhibition for much of the afternoon, with people waiting to get in and pick up autographs.

"The weather was wonderful and it was just great to see so many Lester fans - what struck me was that the crowds were made up by people of so many different ages.

"It wasn't just those more mature racegoers who remember him winning on Crepello in 1957 - there were also those who remember him winning on Royal Academy towards the end of his magnificent career."

While the Victor Chandler-sponsored day was all about Lester and the celebration of his outstanding achievements, those in attendance were of course treated to some racing.

And fittingly, among the winners was Vanquisher, trained by Piggott's son-in-law William Haggas.

While there are no immediate plans to stage the event again, Hancock says the tremendous response means the track would not rule out the possibility.

"It just couldn't have worked out better," Hancock added.

"At the moment, the day was a one-off as we were organising it to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Crepello's 2000 Guineas win in 1957.

"But there is obviously a massive fan club for Lester, not that we needed to be told, and it might be considered again."