Alan Mercer
Northern Flat jockey Alan Mercer – no relation to Joe – was born on January 12, 1960. He was apprenticed to Bill Watts at Richmond, Yorkshire and rode his first winner on Croft Close at Redcar on October 19, 1977.
Northern Flat jockey Alan Mercer – no relation to Joe – was born on January 12, 1960. He was apprenticed to Bill Watts at Richmond, Yorkshire and rode his first winner on Croft Close at Redcar on October 19, 1977.
He enjoyed his best season while still a 5lb claiming apprentice in 1979 with 30 winners. They included a double at Hamilton on April 11, and the Quintin Gilbey Silver Trophy Handicap at York on September 5 aboard Classy Dame, trained by Bill Watts. Probably the best horse Alan rode that year, though, was the good miler Kithairon, on whom he finished third in both the Ripon Rowels and Redcar’s William Hill Gold Cup.
He enjoyed his best season while still a 5lb claiming apprentice in 1979 with 30 winners. They included a double at Hamilton on April 11, and the Quintin Gilbey Silver Trophy Handicap at York on September 5 aboard Classy Dame, trained by Bill Watts. Probably the best horse Alan rode that year, though, was the good miler Kithairon, on whom he finished third in both the Ripon Rowels and Redcar’s William Hill Gold Cup.
Alan retired from the saddle in 1992. He subsequently became a work rider for Mark Johnston.
Alan retired from the saddle in 1992. He subsequently became a work rider for Mark Johnston.
Big winners
Big winners
1979: Quintin Gilbey Silver Trophy – Classy Dame
1979: Quintin Gilbey Silver Trophy – Classy Dame
1979: Ripon Rowels – Kithairon
1979: Ripon Rowels – Kithairon
1979: William Hill Gold Cup – Kithairon
1979: William Hill Gold Cup – Kithairon
1980: Carlisle Bell – Kithairon
1980: Carlisle Bell – Kithairon
1989: Carlisle Bell – Overpower
1989: Carlisle Bell – Overpower