This weekend’s Derby to be run in memory of Lester Piggott
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
In what is believed to be an unprecedented move, this year’s Derby will be run in memory of Lester Piggott, who died on Sunday at the age of 86.
The legendary jockey, who won the premier Classic an astonishing nine times, had a special affinity with the race.
Jockeys will wear black armbands across both days of the meeting, while there will also be a minute’s applause at 1.15pm on Friday when a wreath in the colours of 1970 winner Nijinsky will be laid to rest at Piggott’s statue on the Queen Elizabeth II Stand lawn.
There will be a further minute’s applause at around 4pm on Saturday before the Cazoo Derby (In Memory of Lester Piggott) is run at 4:30pm.
Phil White, London regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses, said: “No jockey is more synonymous with our most famous race than Lester Piggott.
“Running the Cazoo Derby in his memory, which we believe has not been done in the 242 previous editions of the race, is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest jockeys of the modern era and the record-holder for most wins by a rider.
“We want to give racegoers on both days the opportunity to pay their respects and celebrate the life and career of this extraordinary sportsman, and we hope that taking the unprecedented step of renaming the Derby shows the high esteem in which Lester is held.”
He added: “I would like to thank our sponsors Cazoo for accommodating this request and we hope Friday and Saturday will allow for a fitting tribute to one of the icons of our sport.”
Related posts
Saturday ante-post tips: 33-1 shot can spring a surprise
Dave Nevison's Thursday tips: three best bets
Ryan Moore likely to partner Constitution Hill at Kempton on Wednesday
Seven Cheltenham runners whose RaceiQ numbers add up
2027 Cheltenham Festival ante-post tips: 20-1 chance overpriced for Gold Cup
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets with Virgin Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets + money back if 2nd to SP fav with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
£30 in free bets when you bet £5 with Ladbrokes
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved