Racing TV Honors Late Champion Joe Mercer

Joe Mercer OBE , one of the most famous British jockeys of the post-war period, died on Monday at the age of 86.

The Yorkshire-born flat racing legend, known to many fans as "Smoky Joe", rode over 2,810 winning horses in 36 seasons from 1947 to 1985, including the Epsom Oaks title in 1953, while still a jockey apprentice.

Other notable Group One British Classic race victories include St Leger Stakes in 1965, 1974, 1980 and 1981, 2,000 guinea stakes in 1971 and 1,000 guinea stakes in 1974 and 1979. In recognition of his contributions to horse racing. , Mercer was awarded an OBE in 1980.

However, one of the most famous periods of his career came between 1970 and 1972, when he performed at Brigadier General Gerard , winning 17 out of 18 races.

In a recent video posted Racing TV , the late champion jockey spoke of his fond memories of being a racehorse that led him to so many victories in what has been described as the "pinnacle" of his career.

When asked what the name "Brig. Gerard" meant to him, Mercer replied, "It means a lot. Whenever I think about him, I get excited. It was just nice to be able to ride him and be around when he did and it always brings back great memories.”

He continued, “I think it was a privilege to work with him because he was such a big horse with an amazing personality and doing what he did was quite outstanding. There aren't many horses that get 17 wins out of 18 and compete in 11 first group races.”

Since his retirement, Mercer's record of 2,810 winners has only been broken by three jockeys - Sir Gordon Richards , Lester Piggott and Doug Smith — and only three have done so since — Pat Addery , Willie Carson and Frankie Dettori .

After ending his career as a jockey, Smokey Joe continued to be active in horse racing, working as a horse racing manager. Sheikha Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum , former Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Emir of Dubai, from 1987 to 2006.

A source - Racing TV YouTube channel

A Racing TV post in honor of the late champion jockey Joe Mercer first appeared on GamblingTV.com.