Racing legend Lester Piggott takes a trip down memory lane at Lingfield Park

Lingfield hospitality stalwart Frances Gaunt, who has worked at the Surrey racecourse since 1963, was thrilled when the flat racing legend signed a photograph of him riding at Lingfield when he was just 17.

‘It was an absolute honour to meet him,’ said Frances, who continues to look after hospitality clients at Lingfield Park Resort.

‘He is such a gent – and is still as impeccably turned out as he always was when he used to ride here.

‘I have seen him ride countless times at Lingfield over the years – he would always draw a good crowd, even when he made his comeback in his 50’s. It was lovely to see him back here today.’

The champion jockey was visiting Lingfield Park during Saturday’s prestigious BetFred Derby Trial race meeting. He happily presented the winning trophy to Aiden O’Brien’s stables after Ryan Moore won the classic trials race on Kilimanjaro.

Race-goers were thrilled to see the flat racing hero, who was happy to pose for photographs and give autographs as he walked around the course.

He was also happy to pose for the camera alongside the official Investec Derby trophy which was also at Lingfield ahead of the Epsom Derby next month.