1985 Grand National of the betting public put their faith in last year's champion Hallo Dandy at 14/1, Fethered Friend at 16/1, and Classified at 20/1 with Hill of Slain, Kumbi, Scot Lane, Broomy Bank, Rupertino, Tacroy and Talon considered the only others in the field capable of winning the race. Last Suspect was among those largely unconsidered at 50/1. In the company of Welsh jockey Hywel Davies he had developed a reputation as a stubborn horse and had pulled himself up in his last race. His owner, Anne, Duchess of Westminster, instantly decided to scratch her horse from the race, having never
Joe Mercer (jockey) Pictorial Biography" Queen Ann Press (1987). Mercer is married to Anne Carr, the daughter of jockey Harry Carr. His older brother, Manny Mercer, was also a jockey and died in a racing accident in 1959. His niece, Carolyn, was married to jockey Pat Eddery. Joe Mercer (jockey) Joseph Mercer, OBE (born 25 October 1934) is a retired English thoroughbred race horse jockey. He was active as a jockey from 1947 to 1985 and rode a total of 2,810 winners in Britain. Mercer's nickname was "Smokin' Joe". He was apprenticed to trainer Frederick Sneyd and won his first British Classic race