UK Horse Racing Tips

The legendary jockey Joe Mercer, who died suddenly in May, 2021, at the age of 86, will always be best remembered for his association with Brigadier Gerard, who remains the joint third highest rated Flat horse in the history of Timeform. All told, Mercer rode Brigadier Gerard to victory in 17 of his 18 races between 1970 and 1972, including the 2,000 Guineas in 1971, in which he beat subsequent Derby winner Mill Reef. Mercer also rode Bustino in the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in 1975, which was billed as ‘Race of the Century’, but had to settle for second place behind Grundy, ridden by Pat Eddery, after a protracted duel up the straight.

Champion apprentice in 1952 and 1953, Mercer subsequently enjoyed successful spells as stable jockey to Jack Colling and his successor at West Isley Stables, near Newbury, Dick Hern and, later in his career, to Sir Henry Cecil and Peter Walwyn. Indeed, it was during his time with Sir Henry Cecil that ‘Smokin’ Joe’, as Mercer was popularly known, became Champion Jockey for the one and only time. In 1979, at the age of 45, Mercer rode 164 winners, including the 1,000 Guineas winner, One In A Million, to beat reigning champion Willie Carson to the title. As stylish as he was prolific, at the time of his retirement in 1985, Bradford-born Mercer had ridden 2,810 winners and won eight British Classics.

Of course this is a world away from the modern sport and especially betting, where the online experience is now key. In many regards we’ve ‘gone global’ in terms of how we perceive and watch sporting events (and also the number of camera angles, and qualities of footage we now have). The convenience of involvement too, where you no longer need to even leave your living room to place a bet and watch any high profile event.

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