'A great jockey, but an even better man' — racing mourns death of Joe Mercer

Brigadier Gerard's jockey was one of the giants of the Flat racing scene until his retirement in 1985

Joe Mercer at Ascot in 2017. Picture: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

Joe Mercer, who famously partnered the mighty Brigadier Gerard among other great names in racing history, has died aged 86.

Mercer was one of the giants of the Flat racing scene until his retirement in 1985, being crowned champion jockey once, winning eight British Classics and riding over 2,800 winners in his 37-year career.