THE legendary jockey Lester Piggott and unbeaten Frankel are the first names to have been inducted into a new Hall of Fame.
Piggott is widely regarded as one of, if not the best riders of all time and Frankel rose to massive fame with a stunning career on the Flat.
The new project will see one horse and one jockey or trainer entered twice a year.
And there won’t be much argument against the introduction of the first pair.
Piggott, now 85 and living in Switzerland, rode his first race at the age of 12 and went on to ride all over the world for the next 50 years.
Frankel went unbeaten for three years and was widely-regarded as one of the finest to ever grace the turf with his late trainer Sir Henry Cecil campaigning him brilliantly.
Piggott said: “It is an honour to become the first jockey – and the first person – to be inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame and I am truly delighted to receive this special medal.
“I feel fortunate to have spent many brilliant years riding such incredible horses and I’m touched to see my story so well preserved through this initiative.
“The Hall of Fame is a terrific concept and something that racing has deserved for so many years. Our sport has such an incredible history and I hope that this provides an opportunity for many others to learn about it.
“It’s only right that Frankel is the first horse to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He did everything so easily and was the best by far during his time. He is the one horse that I wish I could have ridden.”
Frankel’s jockey, Tom Queally, said: “I’m pleased that Frankel’s unblemished career has been acknowledged by the new Hall of Fame initiative, and I’m especially delighted that he is the first racehorse to be given the accolade.
“I will always fondly remember the moments I spent with him.”
Lady Jane Cecil, wife of the late Sir Henry Cecil, added: “I’d say Henry would be very proud of Frankel being inducted into the Hall of Fame, as am I.
He’d say it was a fitting tribute because Frankel had such a brilliant racing career.
“It’s been a privilege to have been involved with the horse and it was such a pleasure to be around him on a daily basis with everyone at Warren Place.
“I always remember Teddy Grimthorpe said ‘don’t forget to enjoy it’ and that’s exactly what we did.”
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