Ruby Walsh: Lester Piggott is to racing what Pele is to soccer

By winning the Epsom Derby nine times in 29 years, Lester Piggott set a record that may never be surpassed

BOWING TO THE MASTER: Ryan Moore lays a floral tribute by the statue of the late Lester Piggott at Epsom on Friday. Picture: Tim Goode/PA 

The Cazoo Derby, in memory of Lester Piggott. What else could today’s great race be called since the man who won it more times than most jockeys have even dreamed of riding in it passed away last Sunday?

Nine times he won the race. There is no dress rehearsal or replay, no second chance or redemption. It is once only for the beasts that line up at Epsom and only one Derby winner per generation.