Fifty years ago, Brigadier Gerard (GB) (Queen's Hussar {GB}) won the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth S., and to commemorate his victory, he was awarded the QIPCO Diamonds & Pearls Award on Wednesday. The Brigadier, as he was known, won an incredible 17 of his 18 starts in the colours of his breeder John Hislop for trainer Major Dick Hern. Among his victories were the 2000 Guineas, St James's Palace S., Sussex S., Goodwood Mile, and Queen Elizabeth II S., as well as the Champion S. (Click here for a video commemorating his achievements.)
Anne Mercer, wife of the late Joe Mercer who was the Brigadier's regular jockey, said, “Brigadier Gerard was Joe's favourite racehorse–a horse of a lifetime. Our family has so many happy memories of the Brigadier and we are delighted that he has now received the QIPCO Diamonds and Pearls award.”
Named the British Horse Of The Century, Brigadier Gerard retired to stand at Egerton Stud in Newmarket and later Hislop's stud at East Woodhay. He sired the 1980 G1 St Leger winner Light Cavalry (GB), as well as the 1981 G1 Champion S. victor Vayrann (Ire). He died in 1989.
Laurence Williamson, Brigadier Gerard's groom, said, “Brigadier Gerard campaigned in an unprecedented 'golden' era. From humble beginnings, out of a half-blind maiden mare of limited ability and a talented but inexpensive sire, anything Brigadier Gerard lacked in breeding, he more than made up for in appearance and performance. His world-class trainer, Major Dick Hern, hailed him as a champion of champions. I will be proud and humbled to be at Ascot when the horse I believe to be one of the greatest racehorses of modern times receives the QIPCO Diamonds and Pearls Award.”
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