407 



they would not do so for another possessing less courage and determi- 

 mation. The deferential and respectful demeanour which he always 

 observed to his old friend and master Mat Dawson was not the 

 characteristic least to be admired in this young man. 



His emoluments, alone derived from the statutable fees of his pro- 

 fession, amounted to a very large yearly income, and eiiualled that 

 of many a nobleman, but they were nothing in comparison to sums paid 

 him as retainer fees, nor yet what was given to him as presents af cer 

 winning great events. Besides which he betted heavily, and backed his 

 own mounts. The consequence was, he amassed an immense fortune. 



What Archer would have turned out as a trainer of course cannot be 

 known, but as his whole soul was in his profession as jockey, and as 

 he was yearly increasing in weight, it is highly probable that he would 

 have taken to the cross-country business. This was the more to be 

 expected as he was very fond of it, and rode schools many a time for 

 Captain Machell and Joe Cannon when their horses required steeple- 

 chase practice. 



A report went abroad in 1885 that he was to have the mount on 

 a Newmarket favourite for the Grand National, and great was the 

 desire of us Irishmen to see how the famous flat-race jockey would go 

 between the flags, but the chance came not. 



The number of caps and jackets in his possession, supplied by his 

 regular employers, was considerable, but the quantity of boots and 

 breeches was marvellous, and may be imagined from the fact that in 

 the racing season he rode generally four or five days a week, and often a-j 

 many times a day, and being very particular as to his turn-out on a race- 

 course, he always changed for clean ones mud-stained boots and breeches. 



That we had in Fred Archer an object-example of where the true 

 instincts of a gentleman are inborn in a man o£ humble origin is in 

 evidence from the fact that neither his popularity nor his wealth, nor 

 yet the familiarity with which he was treated by those in the highest 

 social position, in any way changed for the worse his natural proclivities. 

 It is a pity that such manifestations are not more frequent. Equally 

 it is to be deplored that those destitute of the feelings of a gentleman, 

 when they fall in suddenly for a lot of money, do not always strive to 

 acquire them, or, at least, good manners. 



Classic Races won by those mentioned in this chapter. 



Trainers. Jockeys. 



>- ^ 



J. Scott. M. Dawson. W. Scott. Ford ham. Archer. 



Two Thou. Guineas 7 4 3 2 4 



One Thou. Guineas 4 6 7 2 



Derby ... 6 4 4 1 5 



Oaks ... 8 6 354 



St. Leger - - 16 5 9 6 



41 25 19 15 21 



