QIPCO Diamonds and Pearls Award | Horse Racing Free Tips

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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Mill Reef (Never Bend), who won the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. 50 years ago, has been honoured with the QIPCO Diamonds & Pearls Award, QIPCO announced on Thursday.

Second in the 2000 Guineas, the diminutive Paul Mellon homebred with the big heart would go on to win the Derby and break the course record at Epsom Downs. In the 1971 King George, the Ian Balding trainee drew off to win by six lengths. His regular jockey, Geoff Lewis, stated at the time, “Daylight was second.” Retired at four after a career-ending injury, Mill Reef stood at The National Stud and sired 63 black-type winners throughout his successful stud career.

“Obviously it's a huge honour to be remembering Mill Reef; he's a horse who meant a huge amount to myself and my family,” said Andrew Balding, son of trainer Ian Balding. “Trained by my father 50 years ago, he was an exceptional 2-year-old and a fabulous racehorse who achieved so much both on the racecourse and at stud. He set up a huge influence on many people's lives with his progeny. He truly is one of the greats of the turf and is very fondly remembered by all at Kingsclere.”

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