Racing: Piggott restored by Lore

LESTER PIGGOTT returned to Bath yesterday, 22 years after his last appearance there when he left the track to jeers of protest from irate punters. It was a successful return too, as he partnered Desert Lore to victory for The Queen.

Back in 1971, Piggott had angered the crowd by allowing the favourite he was riding to coast around at the back of the field as he suspected it had gone lame. His diagnosis proved correct.

Yesterday, with Piggott winning on his only ride of the day, a 3-1 favourite, and the royal colours applying a rosy tint to proceedings, he received a rather more appreciative greeting when he returned to unsaddle.

Lord Carnarvon, the Queen's racing manager, reported that the win was 'not unexpected' but that Desert Lore is not a product of the royal studs. The Green Desert colt is one of two yearlings that the Queen received from Sheikh Mohammed in a swap for two of her fillies.