Epsom Derby to be run in memory of Lester Piggott, the first Classic in its 242-year history to be dedicated to an individual – with other tributes to include a wreath laid at his statue in the colours of his 1970 winner Nijinsky
- Saturday’s Epsom Derby will be run in memory of the late jockey Lester Piggott
- Piggott, who won the Derby a record nine times, died on Sunday at the age of 86
- 18 entries remain in the race, headed by Michael Stoute-trained Desert Crown
- Other tributes to Piggott will include a minute’s applause on Friday and Saturday
The Cazoo Derby will be run in memory of Lester Piggott on Saturday. It will be the first time in the 242-year history of the Classic that it has been dedicated to an individual.
Piggott, who died on Sunday aged 86, won the Derby a record nine times. Other plans to mark his passing include a minute’s applause on Friday and Saturday of the Derby meeting, and a wreath in the colours of Piggott’s 1970 Derby winner Nijinsky to be laid at his statue in front of the Queen Elizabeth II Stand.
Eighteen entries remain in the race. They are headed by Sir Michael Stoute-trained favourite Desert Crown. Aidan O’Brien has Changingoftheguard, Stone Age and Star Of India.
Last year’s winning trainer Charlie Appleby is also three-handed with Nations Pride, the confirmed mount of William Buick, Nahanni and Walk of Stars.
Saturday’s Epsom Derby will be run in memory of Lester Piggott, who died on Sunday aged 86
A wreath in the colours of Piggott’s 1970 Derby winner Nijinsky will be laid at his statue
