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Lester Piggotf Ruling Clarified by Stewards V License Withdrawn But He May Return If Signed by New Stable Special to Daily Racing Form ASCOT, Berkshire, England, June 19 Reuters . — Lester Piggott, 18-year-old British saddle star who won the Epsom Derby on June 2 with the American-owned-and-bred Never Say Die, had his license withdrawn by the stewards of The Jockey Club after an inquiry here Wednesday into Piggotts riding of Never Say Die in the King Edward Vn. Stakes at the Royal meeting Thursday. The Jockey Club stewards, who control British racing, gave no indication as to how long Piggotts license would be withdrawn. Piggott previously had been suspended short periods nine times since he first rode six years ago. Thursday he tried to ride Never Say Die through a gap as horses hit the home straightaway, but the gap closed before Piggott could make it. Several horses were bumped and Piggott finished, fourth. Piggott trains under his father, Keith Piggott, at near-by Lam-bourn. It is understood that Lesters license will be restored — possibly within ■abt months— if «Mfa,hl» "™ made for him to be attached, to another trainers stable. Earlier Friday, immediately after the stewards inquiry, the boys father told reporters that Lester had been suspended for six months. But officials said last night that Piggott Sr. misinterpreted the stewards comments concerning the change of trainers. Mr. Piggott said last night: "The stewards pointed out that Lester had been before them, several times before, but had not been able to control his fierce riding. They considered that I was to blame for that, because I did not -teach him to ride differently." •Piggott Sr. added: "I just dont know how they could have taken that step. Lester lives with me, but rides my horses only about once in 10 days. The rest of the time he travels all over the country to ride in gallops for other trainers." The decision of the stewards, he said, was grossly unfair. Lester would keep fit by riding out at gallops every morning. The boys earnings will slump from hundreds of pounds weekly to perhaps a few pounds for early morning exercising.
