Two sportsmen’s collections are among the stand-out lots – including one consigned by the great jockey Lester Piggott himself.
Budd says: “Fifty years after Lester Piggott rode Nijinsky to win the English Triple Crown (2,000 Guineas, Derby & St Leger), a feat that has not been repeated since, we are honoured to have a consignment of trophies and memorabilia from a legendary figure of the Turf.
“Like the thoroughbreds, Lester comes with impeccable racing pedigree. The auction includes objects spanning five generations of the family.”
It is a remarkable line of success.
Lester (born 1935): 11 times champion jockey, and record nine times winner of the Derby.
His father Keith Piggott (1904-93): champion hurdle winning jockey and Grand National winning trainer with Ayala in 1963. Lester’s grandfather Ernie Piggott (1878-1967): three times champion jumps jockey and three times Grand National-winning jockey. Lester’s great-great grandfather Tom Cannon (1846-1917): champion flat race jockey in 1872 and winner of 13 Classic races. Later trained Playfair to win the 1888 Grand National. His daughter Margaret Cannon was Lester’s grandmother, marrying Ernie Piggott.
National and international
Two of Les Cocker’s tracksuits offered by Graham Budd – Leeds United from the 1972 Centenary FA Cup final, Leeds v Arsenal; and England 1966 FIFA World Cup tracksuit worn at the final v West Germany.
With Leeds United FC promoted to the top tier of football again after a 16-year spell in the wilderness, a football consignment at Budd’s auction is very timely. It is the collection of the coach Les Cocker, who was assistant to Don Revie and the famous Leeds team of the mid-60s to mid-70s.
Budd says: “Cocker is also interesting as Revie asked him to become his assistant when he got the England manager’s job. Cocker was already on the coaching staff of the predecessor Alf Ramsey including at the 1966 and 1970 World Cups.
“So Cocker’s coaching career encompassed one of the legendary teams of English club football and the most successful England football team. The collection has fine representation of both strands.”
The group comes by family descent. Estimates will range from £1000-3000.
