How many times did Lester Piggott win the St. Leger Stakes?

national studThe late Lester Piggott, who died in Switzerland on May 29, 2022, aged 86, rode a total of 4,493 winners in Britain, including a record 30 Classic winners. However, the man affectionately known as ‘The Long Fellow’ does not hold the record for winners of the St. Leger. That distinction belongs to William ‘Bill’ Scott, who rode nine winners of the Doncaster Classic in the first half of the nineteenth century, although Piggott was arguably unlucky not to equal the record. In 1954, Piggott won the Derby on Never Say Die, trained by Joseph Lawson, but was subsequently suspended for six months for his riding of the same horse in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. In his absence, Never Say Die won the St. Leger by a record 12 lengths under Charlie Smirke.

Notwithstanding the one that got away, Piggott rode eight winners of the St. Leger, namely St. Paddy (1960), Aurelius (1961), Ribocco (1967), Ribero (1968), Nijinsky (1970), Athens Wood (1971), Boucher (1972) and Commanche Run (1984). Of course, Nijinsky was the last horse to complete the British Triple Crown.

Perhaps the most memorable of the eight winners, though, was the last, Commanche Run, trained by Luca Cumani, in 1984. Piggott had replaced Cumani’s stable jockey, Darrel McHargue, who was suspended, on Commanche Run when winning the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood earlier in the season and, controversially, did so again, at the behest of owner Ivan Allen, in the St. Leger. Sent off 7/4 favourite in a field of eleven, Commanche Run took up the running plenty soon enough, with over half a mile to run, but stayed on bravely to win by a neck, therby giving Piggott the Classic winner he needed to beat the previous record, 27, set by Frank Buckle in 1827.

Of Jockeys and Aces: The Parallels of Horse Racing and Pusoy

Horse racing is a highly competitive event defined by opulence, socialising, and the thrill of risk.

 

Within its backdrop is a beautiful meld of elegance and ferocious gameplay, a combination that keeps horse lovers and high rollers hooked on the thrill of which equine will cross the finish line.

 

Such a harmonious contrast also exists in the card game realm, particularly Pusoy. Also known as Filipino poker, the card game is known for its fierce yet fun gameplay accompanied by high stakes.

 

You might even say that the horse track is a giant poker table, where jockeys, trainers, and spectators place their odds on the best aces in every high-stakes match.

 

Added to that, Pusoy rules mirror many facets of horse racing regulations. Let’s explore these parallels and find out what ties the track and table together.

 

How does the horse track mirror Pusoy?

Below is a detailed breakdown of the qualities horse racing shares with Filipino poker:

Bluffing vs. Misdirection (Form vs. Performance)

Bluffing is a hallmark tactic in poker. Master Pusoy players learnt to feign their strength or weakness to bait opponents into folding or calling.

In horse racing, bluffing is known as misdirection. The same principle applies, wherein trainers sometimes switch jockeys or enter a horse in lower-tier races to mislead rival stables.

With this tactic, opponents may deem a horse weak based on past results, but behind the scenes, it is peaking for a legendary performance.

Both competitive fields employ the subtle yet effective art of bluffing. Playing a weak set or horse early on entraps opponents into thinking you are losing—and if you play your cards right, you’ll read past their moves and shatter their demeanour with your strongest aces.

 

Variance and Risk

Pusoy and horse racing hinge on variance and risk. Expert poker players might go all in with pocket aces and still be beaten by their rivals’ luck; elite and favoured horses can still stumble, start slow, or get sick.

With this, spectators have learnt to be intentional with their bankroll management; if their favourite horses aren’t capable of racing at the moment, they have to consider their next best options to make strategic wagers.

In poker, players need to take calculated risks, even if they have the strongest cards. Sometimes, being self-aware of when to go all in or when to hold back will save you from chasing devastating losses.

At the same time, games with risk and variance mean you need to expect short-term losses when pursuing long-term gains.

 

Reading the Field or Table

Savvy wagerers don’t take the horse track or poker table at face value.

For instance, race enthusiasts don’t just analyse if a horse is fast and strong—they scrutinise the field, evaluate the running styles of each horse, understand which performs better on turf vs. dirt, and learn who sets the pace in every race.

Similarly, in Pusoy, players take control of the table by reading their opponents, specifically which player is close to finishing their cards or who is waiting for the right time to drop their straight or royal flushes.

Reading the table also means sizing up which players are aggressive and which ones are cagey. That way, they’ll learn when to go all-in or hold back and modify their strategies to suit the current state of the game.

 

Skill vs. Luck

The skill vs. luck debate is as prevalent in horse racing as it is in poker. Whichever side you’re on, both are seminal to winning.

In horse racing, the strongest and most experienced horses are likely to outperform novice or newly entered ones; seasoned wagerers also have an edge over casual high rollers as they’re aware of the potential factors influencing every race.

In Pusoy, players are likely to win by making more statistically sound decisions. That said, they will only become wiser players if they learn from their past mistakes and find opportunities to refine their strategies.

But while skill brings players so far, luck is still a crucial factor. Remember, even the best card combinations can still lose, and the strongest horse can still falter.

The bottom line is you can’t always control the cards or the track, but you can control and modify your decisions.

 

Stud Horses and Stud Poker

“Stud” is another linguistic parallel between the track and the table. However, it is used differently in each field:

  • Stud Poker—A variant where some cards are dealt face-up and some are face-down. What makes this game more exciting is that it requires memory, observation, and strategic wagering.
  • Stud Horse—A prized stallion used for breeding and typically a champion in previous races.

While “stud” has a different meaning in each field, pedigree is what ties them together. A race is defined by the bloodline of a stud horse; hale and hearty breeds signal future success.

In poker, a player’s “pedigree” is their play style and track record. When combined with powerful cards, they’ll have the aces needed to dominate the table.

 

Final Thoughts: The Track and Table are Big Game Boards

Both horse racing and Pusoy entail playing a game of risk, control, and perception.

The former is filled with horses hiding their peak performance, while the latter has players concealing their true intentions and game-breaking strategies.

Added to that, both require keen observation, emotional discipline, and the courage to get back up despite dissuasions—and even when the odds are dubious.

So next time you wager on a horse, remember that you’re not just betting on an animal; you’re playing your hand at one big, living Pusoy table.

 

In which season did Frankie Dettori win most prize money in Britain?

Rewinging a couple of years, after 35 years in the saddle, Lanfranco ‘Frankie’ Dettori is moving into the final few months of his racing career. The three-time champion jockey is expected to ride for the last time in Britain on British Champions Day at Ascot in October, 2023, before moving on to the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita Park, California in early November and saying his final farewell at the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington, Victoria a few days later. I wonder if he gave aussie pokies a go whilst there?

Numerically, Dettori enjoyed his most successful season in 1994, when he was in the first year of his retainer with Godolphin, the thoroughbred breeding and racing operation founded by Sheikh Mohammed, Ruler of Dubai, and won his first jockeys’ title, with 233 winners. Highlights of his inaugural season in the now famous royal blue silks included winning the Lockinge Stakes on Emperor Jones, the Oaks on Balanchine and the Yorkshire Oaks on Only Royale, with the latter trained his former mentor, Luca Cumani. However, his total prize money for the season amounted to just £2.8 million.

By contrast, Dettori enjoyed his most successful season, financially, in 2019, six years after parting company with Godolphin and serving a six-month ban, imposed by the French governing body, France Galop, after testing positive for a banned substance, later revealed to cocaine, at Longchamp in September, 2012. In 2019, Dettori only rode 66 winners, but from just 255 rides, at a strike rate of 26% – the highest of his career – and enjoyed what the Americans might call a ‘lollapalooza’, with £7.4 million in prize money on British soil alone. He won the Oaks on Annapurna, trained by JohnGosden, and continued a hugely profitable association with the ten three-time champion trainer until the end of the season. Other Group 1 highlights included the Coral-Eclipse, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks on Enable, the Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup on Stradivarius and the St. Leger on Logician.

Bitcoin Live Casino at Betpanda UK: A New Era of Online Gaming

In recent years, the online casino landscape has undergone a massive transformation. With the rise of cryptocurrencies, players are now demanding faster, safer, and more private ways to enjoy their favorite games. Enter the Bitcoin Live Casino at Betpanda UK, a platform that combines the cutting-edge convenience of digital currency with the excitement of live dealer casino games.

Betpanda UK is among the pioneers in embracing Bitcoin for live casino gaming, offering a modern and immersive experience for UK players seeking both innovation and trustworthiness. But what exactly is a Bitcoin live casino, and why is Betpanda gaining attention as one of the top destinations for crypto-powered live gaming? Let’s explore.

What Is a Bitcoin Live Casino?

A Bitcoin live casino offers players the chance to participate in real-time table games—such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker—streamed live from professional studios, but using Bitcoin as the primary currency for deposits and wagers. Unlike standard online games driven by algorithms, live dealer games are run by real human croupiers and offer a more authentic casino experience.

Betpanda UK takes this one step further by integrating Bitcoin payments, allowing players to fund their accounts and cash out winnings entirely in BTC. This fusion of real-time interaction and cryptocurrency payments is reshaping how UK players approach online gambling.

Why Choose Betpanda UK for Bitcoin Live Casino Gaming?

1. Instant Bitcoin Transactions

One of the most appealing aspects of playing at Betpanda UK is the speed of transactions. Traditional casinos often require long waiting times for withdrawals—especially with bank transfers or card payments. With Bitcoin, deposits and withdrawals are completed within minutes. This means players can enjoy their winnings almost instantly after a game ends.

2. Unmatched Privacy and Security

Betpanda UK values user privacy, and by accepting Bitcoin, it enables anonymity not available through traditional payment methods. Players are not required to share sensitive banking information, reducing the risk of identity theft or financial fraud. All transactions are secured on the blockchain, making them transparent and tamper-proof.

3. High-Quality Live Dealer Games

Betpanda’s live casino features a wide selection of professionally hosted games from some of the most respected software providers in the industry. Expect high-definition video streams, crisp audio, and intuitive betting interfaces. From classic European Roulette to the intensity of Live Blackjack and the elegance of Baccarat, Betpanda UK caters to both casual players and high rollers.

4. User-Friendly Interface

For newcomers to crypto gaming, Betpanda UK offers a clean and easy-to-navigate platform. The registration process is simple, and Bitcoin deposits can be made by sending funds to a wallet address generated in your account. Once deposited, BTC is either displayed as Bitcoin or converted into a casino token equivalent—depending on your preference.

Types of Live Casino Games Available

The live casino lobby at Betpanda UK is both diverse and immersive. Here are some of the key games you can enjoy with Bitcoin:

  • Live Blackjack – Fast-paced and skill-based, with multiple table limits.

  • Live Roulette – European, French, and Lightning Roulette variations.

  • Live Baccarat – A favorite among high-stakes players, including Speed Baccarat.

  • Live Poker – Enjoy Casino Hold’em or Three Card Poker with real dealers.

  • Game Shows – Innovative titles like Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, and Dream Catcher that blend casino gaming with entertainment.

Whether you’re a traditionalist or someone seeking a new experience, Betpanda’s live casino ensures there’s something for everyone.

Advantages of Bitcoin in the Live Casino Setting

1. Speed

With Bitcoin, you don’t need to wait days for bank approvals or third-party processors. Your funds are available to play or withdraw with minimal delay, keeping the gaming experience fluid and satisfying.

2. Low Fees

Conventional payment methods often include hidden processing fees. With Bitcoin, these costs are significantly lower—or nonexistent—allowing you to keep more of your winnings.

3. Global Access

Bitcoin is a borderless currency, and while Betpanda UK operates under UK regulations, its crypto-powered model makes it more accessible for users who travel or prefer international flexibility.

4. Better Bonuses

Many crypto casinos offer exclusive promotions for Bitcoin users. At Betpanda UK, you can expect welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and even cashback offers tailored specifically to BTC players.

Responsible Gambling and Regulation

Although Bitcoin adds a layer of anonymity, Betpanda UK remains committed to responsible gambling and player protection. The platform operates under a UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) license, ensuring compliance with the highest standards of fairness, data security, and anti-money laundering protocols.

Players can set deposit limits, self-exclude, or access resources for gambling support directly through the site. Just because you’re using Bitcoin doesn’t mean you’re playing in an unregulated environment—Betpanda ensures that crypto and compliance go hand in hand.

How to Get Started

Getting started with Bitcoin live casino games at Betpanda UK is easy:

1. Create an Account – Sign up with your email address and verify your identity in line with UK regulations.

2. Deposit Bitcoin – Access your wallet, generate a BTC address, and fund your account.

3. Choose a Live Casino Game – Browse through dozens of live tables and join one that suits your budget and playing style.

4. Play and Withdraw – Enjoy real-time interaction with dealers and fellow players, and withdraw your winnings directly to your Bitcoin wallet when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

The Bitcoin Live Casino at Betpanda UK is a game-changer in the world of online gambling. It merges the trust of a regulated platform with the freedom of cryptocurrency, offering players faster payments, enhanced privacy, and a more immersive casino experience. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto user or just dipping your toes into Bitcoin gaming, Betpanda UK provides a safe, stylish, and forward-thinking environment to enjoy live casino action.

In a digital age where speed, security, and innovation matter more than ever, Betpanda’s Bitcoin live casino is not just the future—it’s already here.

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