"He doesn't just beat the Frenchman - he murders him!" MILL REEF - 1971 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown

[@thecockerel86]

50 years ago, and the racecourse in Esher looks almost the same as it does now. This is one of the beauties of racing. St Mark's Basilica won on the same course, over the same patch of ground and distance as the mighty Mill Reef. Amazing.

[@edmondscott7444]

Great great video. What a horse. Paul Mellon, Ian Balding and Geoff Lewis were combination responsible. Raleigh Gilbert and John Penney were wonderful commentators and very clear.

[@mikerainham]

He was even better in the King George later that month! Fantastic little racehorse and great stallion to.

[@leehancock8208]

A good Derby winner, I've not heard that for a few years 🐎

[@alwaysfair4991]

You are hearing this year.

[@Funeeman]

That was the first and only time i saw my all time favourite racehorse in the flesh.

[@vimtocrazy739]

Smooth as Silk .

[@tomshaffi2814]

A truly great horse. Born the same year as the mighty Brigadier Gerard. Between them they won almost everything worth winning. I doubt we will ever see two great horses of such quality, born in the same year ever again.

[@cooltubeish]

Wonderful to see

[@paradisehotel5005]

He was so powerful all the way to the finishing line.

[@iancruise6927]

Stunning horse. Went on to sire a Derby winner to

[@petecarter2618]

Quality horse and Derby winner when that race had some substance not like the recent sub standard ones!!

[@alwaysfair4991]

John "Oaksey" Lawrence.