LESTER ALL SET FOR HIS BIG DAY

NEWMARKET RACECOURSES MEDIA RELEASE

Lester Piggott, arguably the greatest jockey to have graced the turf, is all set for the Victor Chandler-sponsored day being held in his honour at Newmarket on Saturday (September 22). Newmarket's most famous resident is back in great form following the heart problems which saw him in intensive care in a Swiss hospital in May, when "Lester Piggott Day" was originally scheduled to have taken place.

"I'm really looking forward to Saturday, September 22, reliving my Guineas victories when they're shown on the big screen and meeting the public during the afternoon," said Lester today. "I was disappointed that I was unable to make the original date in May, but am back in good health now."

One of the main features on the NatWest Rowley Mile during the afternoon will be a display of iconic photos from Lester's childhood and riding career, together with memorabilia and pictures from Lester's own home which he and his wife, Susan, are lending for the occasion. The display has been put together by the National Horseracing Museum and the £2 admission fee will go to racing charities chosen by Lester.

Lester Piggott Day, sponsored by Victor Chandler, will start with the VCBet.com Association of European Racing Schools Crepello Apprentice Handicap, featuring some of the most promising young riders from across Europe, all aspiring to be a Lester Piggott of the future. Lester will present the trophy to the winning jockey.

Lester will present at least one other trophy during the afternoon, while he will sign copies of his book, Lester's Derbys, and co-sign copies of Sir Peter O'Sullevan's book, Horse Racing Heroes, in the Eclipse Marquee where the "Lester The Legend" display will be housed.

Before each of the seven races, which have been named after Lester's seven Guineas winners (it is 50 years since the first of them, Crepello, won the 1957 2000 Guineas), the footage of that victory will be shown on the paddock screen, while racing celebrities will pay their tributes to Lester over the racecourse PA system.

Click below to visit the page showing Lester's contribution to help the 'Young Ones'
http://turfcall.blogspot.com/2007/08/lester-set-to-cast-his-eye-over-future.html

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Alistair Haggis, 07884 026 487
Distributed by Racenews