Price tag could be as high as £12k.
Lester Piggott’s last racing saddle is expected to fetch between £8,000 and £12,000 when it comes up for auction in November.
The legendary Flat jockey rode on the brown leather 1.1kg saddle, which bears the initials L P, from 1980 to 1985.
Lester Piggott’s last race saddle, bearing his initials, is to be auctioned.
It’s to be sold at the annual BUDDS Auction of Horse Racing Memorabilia on 12 November.
Asked where the saddle was made, Graham Budd of BUDDS, told ETN: “There are no visible maker’s marks. I did, however, show the saddle to Lester’s daughter, Maureen Haggas, as part of the authenticity due diligence.
“Maureen confirmed it was one of her father’s saddles and that he used Gibson Saddlers in Newmarket.”
Indeed, the saddle comes with a signed letter of authenticity reading: “I certify that this saddle has been used by me for at least five years and I have ridden many classic and big race winners on it, Lester Piggott.”
It’s not the first time the famous saddle has come under the hammer…
It was donated by Lester as an auction prize at the Variety Club Charity Ball in 1986 – where it was auctioned by actor Charles Dance.
The upcoming BUDDS sale also features Lester Piggott’s last car. The 1998 Mercedes CLK320 Elegance Automatic Coupe is expected to fetch up to £5,000.
Lester Piggott died in 2022, aged 86. He’d ridden 4,493 winners on the Flat, his first aged 12 and his last in his 50s. In 1987, he spent a year in prison for tax fraud.
