Piggott Sidesteps Press, Leaves Hospital

The challenge is over for British newsmen. Lester Piggott is out of the hospital.

Reporters from London disguised themselves as a priest, doctor, X-ray technician and undertaker in unsuccessful attempts to get into the English jockey’s room, a spokeswoman for the hospital said Wednesday. Piggott, injured when his mount, Mr Brooks, broke down during the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, was released Tuesday but will return for treatment, said Maria Pantages, director of public relations at Memorial Hospital.

Piggott’s plans weren’t disclosed, but his doctor instructed him not to fly for a while because he suffered a partially collapsed lung, Pantages said.

One of the world’s most famous jockeys, Piggott declined interview requests after the accident. During a four-day stay in the hospital, he received 220 phone calls, mostly from media, Pantages said.

Mr Brooks collapsed during the $1-million race Saturday at Gulfstream Park and rolled onto him, breaking the jockey’s collarbone and two ribs. The horse broke his right front leg and was destroyed.

Piggott, who turns 57 today, won 30 British classic races.