Joe Mercer

Joe Mercer, one of the finest jockeys of recent times, has died at the age of 86.

Mercer rode 2,810 winners over 36 seasons in Britain. He has eight British Classics to his name, including the 2,000 Guineas in 1971 on Brigadier Gerard. He is one of the most prolific jockeys in racing history.

While he won many Classics, he never took home the victory in the Epsom Derby.

Mercer will be remembered for his partnership with Brigadier Gerard, known as "the Brigadier". He was ridden by Mercer for all of his races; their years together were the highlight of Mercer’s career.

Brigadier Gerard won 17 of his 18 starts; these victories included the St James's Palace Stakes, Eclipse, Sussex Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Champion Stakes.

The Racing Post published a book on the 100 most popular horses to race in Britain and Ireland, within which Mercer said that...'He was a freak horse with tremendous enthusiasm and speed, and the class to win beyond his distance. He was a horse you never thought about getting beat on.'

Born in Bradford, Mercer did his apprenticeship under Fred Sneyd who was based near Lambourn. He had his first ride in 1948 with his first notable winner following four years later in the Spring Cup at Newbury on Polar Jest.

At different stages throughout his career, he spent time as stable jockey to Dick Hern, Sir Henry Cecil and Peter Walwyn.

Mercer was champion apprentice in 1953 after his impressive win on Ambiguity in the Oaks.

He landed the 1,000 Guineas in 1974 on the Queen's Highclere, who he also guided to victory in the Prix de Diane.

In 1974 Mercer triumphed in the St Leger on Bustino, the same horse he finished second on when up against Grundy in the epic 1975 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes which came to be known as the race of the century.

In 1979 Mercer was crowned Champion Flat Jockey and in 1980 he was awarded an OBE for his services to the sport.

Mercer rode his last winner in 1985 bringing his glorious career to an end.

His style and reliability in the saddle has been, and will continue to be, admired by many.

John Oaksey once wrote: 'He is not only the most stylish flat-race jockey I have ever seen, but also one of the most consistent, effective and above all reliable.'