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I . i PIGGOTT BORN HORSEMAN Rides Two Winners of Grand National — Leads Steeplechase Jockeys in England. Engaged in one way or another with horses ever since he could toddle, it was at an early age that Ernie Piggott became a front rank steeplechase jockey, and the hero of two Grand Nationals, while he subsequently developed into a clever trainer and successful owner. In the course of his riding career, he has won all the important races at Auteuil except the Grand Steeplechase de Paris, and headed the jockey list his first season in England. On November 29, 191.1, Piggott had five mounts at Kempton Park, and was successful on each occasion. His first "National" success was gained in 1912 on Jerry M. There was little or no romance attached to this race, but on the other hand, Poethlyn, which gave Piggott his second winning ride at Aintree in 1919, had a history. He was such an ugly looking horse that he brought only thirty-five dollars when put up for auction at Wrexham. Poethlyn passed into the hands of a Shrewsbury man, and it was there that George Goswell saw him. On the latters advice, Mrs. Hugh Peel purchased Poethlyn for 50 in blissful ignorance that he was the horse she had already sold for thirty-five dollars. Eventually Poethlyn found his way to Lewes, under the care of Escott, and it was for him, with Piggott on his back, that he won the "War National," a substitute for the Grand National, at Gatwick, and the Aintree event the following year. In 11*21, Piggott relinguished the saddle and took up training at Wantage with much success. -
