Background
A brother of jockey Joe Mercer, he was married to the daughter of trainer Harry Wragg.
A brother of jockey Joe Mercer, he was married to the daughter of trainer Harry Wragg.
Their daughter, Carolyn, married jockey Pat Eddery. In 1952 he gained much media attention in the United States for his masterful ride on Wilwyn in winning the inaugural running of the Washington, District of Columbia International at Laurel Park Racecourse in Laurel, Maryland. Mercer died on 26 September 1959 when a filly named Priddy Fair threw him before the start of the Red Deer Stakes at Ascot Racecourse.
Mercer was fatally kicked in the head as he fell to the ground.
Reporting on his death, The Age newspaper in Melbourne called Mercer "one of Britain"s most brilliant race riders". In a 2009 Racing Post article by John Cobb marking the fiftieth anniversary of Mercer"s death, he was called "one of its brightest stars".
Manny Mercer Court in Newmarket, Suffolk is named in his memory. He is buried in Newmarket Cemetery.