Mercer to call it a day

Joe Mercer will retire as racing manager to the late Maktoum Al Maktoum’s Gainsborough Stud in March.

Mercer, who has been within the industry in a career spanning 59 years, will pass the baton to assistant Bruce Raymond before the new turf season starts so he can spend more time with his family.

“It’s old age – as simple as that,” reasoned the former jockey.

“I’ll be 72 this year and my three children thought it was about time I retired.

“I’ve worked since I was 13 and I’ve never had a summer off, except through injury, so there are a lot of things I’ve never had the chance to do,” he told the Racing Post.

Mercer, who was racing manager to Gainsborough Stud for 19 years, was crowned champion Flat jockey in 1979 and rode a total of 2,810 winners.