Born in 1934, Bradford, Joe Mercer grew up in a family that had deep ties to horses; especially equestrian, while his brother, Manny Mercer was also a top jockey.
One of eight children overall, his father coach painter, though it was his brother Manny who was his main inspiration. Childhood holidays were spent riding donkeys down the beach and it was here, he discovered his love of racing.
As such, Mercer left school early to pursue an apprenticeship which was a common path for aspiring jockeys during this time. It was during these years where he discovered a natural poise and balance that would effectively become his trademark in later years.
Success As An Apprentice Set The Stage
In 1952 and 1953, he won the Champion Apprentice title as well as the 1953 Oaks aged just 18, riding Amiguity to victory and beating the legendary Gordon Richards who was in his final season, in a close finish.
Mercer then succeeded Richards as the main stable jockey at West Ilsey, this being a considerable responsibility, to fill the boots of one of the best in the business at the time.
During this period, he continued his education, learning under esteemed trainers, Jack Colling and latterly, Dick Hern, where he continued to go from strength-to-strength.
Career Highs Marred By Personal Tragedy
In 1959, disaster struck when his brother Manny tragically died at Ascot in a freak accident which had a profound effect, which saw him channel a lifelong commitment into horse racing safety.
His ascension to the top of the sport was backed up by some prolific wins, including eight British Classic victories including the St. Ledger twice in three years between 1966 and 1968; winning on Provoke and Ribeiro, respectively.
Meanwhile he also won the 2,000 Guineas on Brigadier Gerard, as well as the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stakes in addition to the Champion Stakes on two occasions. In 1974, he also won The Oaks on Highclere for Queen Elizabeth II.
Mercer would also go on to win the St. Ledger three more times with Bustino in 1974 and Light Cavalry in 1980, while he retained it on Cut Above one year later in 1981.
It should also be said, his success wasn’t just limited to the UK; indeed, he also won premier races abroad, including the Prix de la Salamandre in France. Meanwhile, in 1980, Mercer was appointed OBE for his services to horse racing; a great honour for a jockey.
Life Out Of The Saddle
Having retired in 1985, following a victory at Newmarket on Bold Rex, which saw him end his career with a total of 2,810 winners, Mercer remained heavily involved in the sport, becoming a racing manager for the Gainsborough Stud (owned by Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum).
Mercer passed away in 2021 and left a legacy as one of the most respected and aesthetically talented jockeys of his generation to ever grace the track.