Brigadier Gerard (horse) the Sussex Stakes and the Lockinge Stakes, and the non-winning racemare, La Paiva, a daughter of Prince Chevalier. On his female side he traced back to the brilliant fillies' Triple Crown winner, Pretty Polly, who was his fifth dam. This beautifully balanced bay colt was named after Arthur Conan Doyle's swashbuckling hero. Brigadier Gerard had good conformation, an excellent temperament and stood 16 hands 2 inches high. Brigadier Gerard was trained during his racing career by Major Dick Hern and ridden in all his races by Joe Mercer. Brigadier Gerard began his two-year-old career on 24 June 1970 in the
Brigadier Gerard (horse) was run in poor visibility with Welsh Pageant, Leander, Gold Rod, and Roi Soleil in the leading group and Brigadier Gerard in close behind them. As they entered the Dip, Brigadier Gerard moved into the lead and pulled three lengths clear while Rarity made progress throughout the final furlong. Brigadier Gerard held on to win by a short head. The 1971 season ended with Brigadier Gerard maintaining his unbeaten record with 10 wins and Mill Reef remaining unbeaten since their meeting in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket Racecourse. The scene was now set for a showdown between the champions expected