Dettori shines at Salisbury, but Lester's still a star draw (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Dettori shines at Salisbury, but Lester's still a star draw

Lester Piggott opens the new Wiltshire stand at Salisbury. 30/6/5LESTER Piggott made his debut at Salisbury as a precocious 12-year-old apprentice jockey on April 7, 1948, on a horse trained by his father.

Weighing a mere five stones, the youngster had to have more than a stone of lead in his saddle to make the weight aboard a filly named The Chase.

Although he finished some way off the pace that day, Lester's first words afterwards were: "Can I ride her again?"

Later that season during the August school holidays, he did indeed ride her again at Haydock where he registered his first win as a jockey.

By the time he'd finally hung up his riding boots in 1995, Piggott had amassed almost 5,000 wins and ensured his place in the sport's record books.

Now approaching his 70th birthday, the enigmatic 11-time champion jockey showed he had lost none of his popularity when he made a rare public appearance at the track where it had all began for him more than 50 years ago.

After opening the course's new £1.1-million Wiltshire Stand, which includes a rooftop bar named after the legendary jockey, Piggott was again the centre of attention when he signed countless books and race cards for his adoring public.

Earlier, at the opening ceremony, which saw Piggott unveil a commemorative plaque, chairman of the course, Michael Wates CBE, said: "We're delighted that Lester is able to join us today to officially open the new Wiltshire Stand.

"We think it is a really good facility and is a major project for us.

"On the first floor we have a corporate facility which I think is one of the nicest facilities at one of the nicest courses in the country."

Away from the glare of the midday sun, Piggott admitted he had always had a soft spot for the Salisbury venue.

"It's nice to be back here.

"It was always a tough little course. But it doesn't always get the credit it deserves as Salisbury is a bit out of the way.

"I think the new stand is really good. I'm sure it'll be a success."

A man of few words these days, Piggott added only that he was going to study the race card and try to pick "a couple of winners."

No change there then!