“He was an iconic figure in the horse racing world. He is a legend. We had the luck of some ding-dongs on the track and he was a person who made us all better – because we had to be better to beat him. “We had to up our game to compete with him, because he was so magical on top of a horse. That man, for some reason, never showed any pressure. He never seemed to be under any pressure. He rode his horses with such great confidence.” – Willie Carson

“Lester was a hero of mine and a good friend. The impact he has made in racing, on all of us, is second to none. I am not old enough to remember him riding when he was in his peak but, I’m talking as a professional jockey, we all grew up wanting to be like him.”

– Frankie Dettori

“I was always in awe of his talent. You never would tell anyone to try to copy him, because his style was just so unique – nobody could do it the way he could. You talk about balance and he really did have it. I can’t imagine even trying to ride as short as he did, especially being as tall as he was.” – Steve Cauthen

“He was such a legend. Everyone tried to aspire to be like Lester and I was no different. Lester was such an icon, a brilliant rider and a superb tactician.” – Kieren Fallon

“It’s poignant that he died in Derby week. His record around Epsom will never be equalled. It’s the supreme test of horse and jockey and he made it look easy. He was a tough competitor, anything you got off him you earned. He set the bar very high. Nobody got close to it and maybe nobody ever will.”

– Michael Kinane

“Lester rode his own race – he never listened to trainer’s instructions. He was the same on the gallops at Ballydoyle. Numerous times he was told by Dr O’Brien to follow me the whole way. After 50 yards Lester would be three lengths in front and the boss would get annoyed. But they got on well, and I was good friends with Lester too. Even when he was on the wrong horse, like when I won the Irish St Leger on Transworld, he was happy for me.”

– Tommy Murphy