'Uncle Bert just had a gift, similar to Vincent O’Brien and Aidan O’Brien'

Bert Kerr was planning to mark the centenary of his bloodstock agency this year with a number of special events, including a race sponsorship and a reception, but the Covid-19 outbreak put paid to all that.

No matter, though, as Kerr & Co Ltd received the best possible birthday present by way of compensation, as its purchase Twilight Payment won one of the world’s great races, the Melbourne Cup, last month.

Kerr & Co Ltd, the oldest bloodstock agency still in operation anywhere in the world, was founded in 1920 by Kerr’s uncle and namesake, a legendary figure in the thoroughbred industry who led an extraordinary life — all the more so considering he was born into a family with little or no connection with horses.