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The Qipco British Champions Series welcomes first two legends into new acquisition

The Qipco British Champions Series has welcomed its first inductees into the new Hall of Fame, with Lester Piggott and unbeaten superstar Frankel (Galileo) the two racing greats to be honoured.

The creation of the Hall of Fame – which will initially be an online project but for which there is the ambition to create a physical version in time – was announced last week and its first members have been presented with commemorative medals. 

Piggott, 85, the rider of a record nine Derby (Gr 1, 1m4f) winners, received his award at home in Switzerland

"It's an honour to become the first jockey – and the first person – to be inducted into the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame and I'm truly delighted to receive this special medal," said Piggot. 

"I feel fortunate to have spent many brilliant years riding such incredible horses and I'm touched to see my story so well preserved through this initiative.

"The Hall of Fame is a terrific concept and something that racing has deserved for so many years. Our sport has such an incredible history and I hope that this provides an opportunity for many others to learn about it.

"It's only right that Frankel is the first horse to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He did everything so easily and was the best by far during his time. He is the one horse that I wish I could have ridden."

Trained by Henry Cecil, Frankel was unbeaten in 14 starts, headlined by ten victories at Group 1 level.