Brigadier Gerard
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1968 -1989 by Queen’s Hussar out of La Paiva -
Owner and Breeder: John and Jean Hislop Trainer: Major Dick Hern Jockey: Joe Mercer
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A statue stands at The Rowley Mile to commemorates the mighty Brigadier Gerard, widely acknowledged as the horse of the 20th century.
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Though modestly bred, “The Brigadier” won 17 of his 18 races, including four at Newmarket: Middle Park Stakes (1970), 2000 Guineas (1971), Champion Stakes (1971 & 1972).
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When he defeated Mill Reef and My Swallow in the 2000 Guineas, it was proclaimed that never before in the history of flat racing had three such champion class two-year-olds from the previous season taken each other on in a Classic.
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He won over distances from 5 furlongs to 12 furlongs, recording 15 straight victories before tasting his only defeat at the hands of Roberto at York in 1972.
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He rounded off his career with a second Champion Stakes victory here on the Rowley Mile, before retiring to stud with an almost perfect racing record.
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Though not a big success as a stallion, he did sire Light Cavalry, the 1980 St Leger winner, and Vayraan, who won the Champion Stakes in 1981.
