Keith Piggott
1904 - 1993
1904 - 1993
Ernest Keith Piggott was born on 11 April 1904, in Stockbridge, Hampshire, and rode as an apprentice to Newmarket trainer Bert Lines during the First World War.
Ernest Keith Piggott was born on 11 April 1904, in Stockbridge, Hampshire, and rode as an apprentice to Newmarket trainer Bert Lines during the First World War.
His first winner, Chuckberry, came on his 15th birthday at Newbury but - already standing 5' 7" and being sturdily built - he was forced to turn to National Hunt racing as his weight rocketed.
His first winner, Chuckberry, came on his 15th birthday at Newbury but - already standing 5' 7" and being sturdily built - he was forced to turn to National Hunt racing as his weight rocketed.
His greatest win came on African Star in the 1939 Champion Hurdle (trained by his uncle Charlie Piggott), but he had no luck in the Grand National, failing to finish in five attempts.
His greatest win came on African Star in the 1939 Champion Hurdle (trained by his uncle Charlie Piggott), but he had no luck in the Grand National, failing to finish in five attempts.
He also missed riding the 1931 winner Grakle when, shortly before, breaking his thigh.
He also missed riding the 1931 winner Grakle when, shortly before, breaking his thigh.
In the Second World War, Keith served in the Royal Observer Corps: at war's cessation and after riding around 500 winners under both codes, he set up as a trainer at the South Bank stables in Lambourn.
In the Second World War, Keith served in the Royal Observer Corps: at war's cessation and after riding around 500 winners under both codes, he set up as a trainer at the South Bank stables in Lambourn.
Here he found rich recompense for earlier National disappointments when saddling Ayala to win the 1963 race at 66/1.
Here he found rich recompense for earlier National disappointments when saddling Ayala to win the 1963 race at 66/1.
After a 30-year career, Keith retired from training and sold South Banks to Barry Hills. He moved to Kintbury, between Newbury and Hungerford.
After a 30-year career, Keith retired from training and sold South Banks to Barry Hills. He moved to Kintbury, between Newbury and Hungerford.
He died on June 15, 1993, aged 89.
He died on June 15, 1993, aged 89.
Keith Piggott had a passion for motor racing from Brooklands: undoubtedly this is from where his son, Lester, inherited his own love of speed.
Keith Piggott had a passion for motor racing from Brooklands: undoubtedly this is from where his son, Lester, inherited his own love of speed.
Best wins:
Best wins:
1925: Welsh Grand National - Vaulx
1925: Welsh Grand National - Vaulx
1927: Grand Sefton - Trump Card
1927: Grand Sefton - Trump Card
1939: Spa Hurdle - Velvet Cushion
1939: Spa Hurdle - Velvet Cushion
1939: Champion Hurdle - African Sister
1939: Champion Hurdle - African Sister