Piggott pays tribute to a friend
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Lester Piggott was among the first to pay tribute to Boutin, who had provided him with a unique Ascot Gold Cup treble on Sagaro. "It is very, very sad. We were friends for years, both socially and professionally," he said. "I had the greatest respect for him as a trainer and he was a very nice man. I rode so many good horses like Sagaro and Nonoalco for him over the years.
"He was brave and battled against his illness for a long time - it is tragic for his family."
Gerald Oldham, for whom Boutin trained Sagaro and the 2,000 Guineas winner Zino, said from his home in Geneva: "I have lost a good friend and a great trainer. I was his longest-standing owner - I have been with him since moving my horses from Harry Wragg in 1969.
"Of all the many successes we had, the highlight would be the three Gold Cup victories of Sagaro. To win the race three times with the same horse trained outside Britain was a great training achievement.''
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments