Horse racing-'Race of the Century' jockey Mercer dies at 86

FILE PHOTO: Horse Racing - Newbury - Newbury Racecourse - 17/8/13 Former champion jockey Joe Mercer Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Julian Herbert Livepic

(Reuters) - Joe Mercer, the jockey who finished runner-up at the 1975 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, often referred to as the "Race of the Century", has died aged 86, British media reported on Monday.

Riding Bustino, Mercer finished second to Grundy -- ridden by Pat Eddery -- by half a length despite being four lengths clear at the start of the final straight.