Former champion jockey Lester Piggott has been hospitalised in Switzerland, it has been revealed by a family member,

Piggott, 86, was prolific in his career, winning the Epsom Derby nine times, as well as accumulating an astonishing 4,493 total career wins.

As a result, was in the first draft of inductees into the British Champions Series Hall of Fame last year.

Newmarket trainer William Haggas, who is married to Piggott's daughter Maureen, revealed that Piggott was in a Switzerland hospital but didn't give a reason for the visit.

Speaking to Sky Sports Racing two days ago (Sunday, May 22) he said: "He's battling a bit, but he's a tough man. Hopefully he'll pull through and get home as soon as possible.

"All we can do is train plenty of winners and keep him amused, that's what we're trying to do.

"I don't think he thinks about what he's achieved, but he loves the adulation that he gets every time he steps out into a public place."

Piggott was admitted to intensive care back in 2007 due to a recurrence of a heart problem but made a swift recovery.