Fred James Archer (January 11, 1857 - November 8, 1886) was an English flat race jockey who was the most successful sportsman in horse racing during the Victorian era. Not until the arrival of Steve Donoghue and Sir Gordon Richards were his statistics threatened.
Background
Born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Fred was an apprenticed to a Mathew Dawson at the age of 11. He served for him as a stable jockey from 1874 until 1886, winning his first race at the age of 12 at a steeplechase in Bangor. Fred took his sport very seriously and was noted for his ruthlessness. In 1882 he built Falmouth Lodge and Stables (now Pegasus Stables).
Career
Archer was champion jockey for 13 consecutive years until 1886, riding 2748 winners from 8084 starts. In 1885 he rode 246 winners, a record that wasn't broken until Gordon Richards' 1933 season. He won the Epsom Derby five times and won a total of 21 classic races.
However, because of his height (5 ft 10in/1.78 m) he had to diet far more than other jockeys. This had an effect on his health, and after suffering from depression following the death of his wife, Helen Rose Dawson, Fred committed suicide by shooting himself. He was 29.
Since his death there have been many reported sightings of Archer on a ghostly white horse at the Pegasus Stables.
Classic Race Victories
- Epsom Derby winners - 1877: Silvio, 1880: Bend Or, 1881: Iroquois, 1885: Melton, 1886: Ormonde
- 1000 Guineas winners - 1875: Spinaway, 1879: Wheel of Fortune
- 2000 Guineas Stakes winners - 1874: Atlantic, 1879: Charibert, 1883: Galliard, 1885: Paradox
- Epsom Oaks winners - 1875: Spinaway, 1878: Jannette, 1880: Wheel of Fortune, 1885: Lonely
- St. Leger Stakes winners - 1877: Silvio, 1878: Jannette, 1881: Iroquois, 1882: Dutch Oven, 1885: Melton, 1886: Ormonde
See also
