CHAPTER XIV 
Archer steered Bal Gal to victory in the Richmond Stakes at 
the Goodwood gathering, and rode his second Dewhurst Plate 
winner in Bal Gal in splendid style, Lord Falmouth's filly 
defeating Mr, L. de Rothschild's Brag after a great struggle by 
a neck. This year he was second for the Lincolnshire Handicap, 
on Placida, to Rosy Cross, but was not very fortunate in the 
big handicaps. Archer won this year the Prix du Jockey Club 
(French Derby) on Mr. Lefevre's Beauminet. 
Melton's Derby has sometimes been described as " Archer's 
masterpiece," and nor without reason. Melton belonged to 
Lord Hastings, whose title was created by Edward L in 1290, 
so that it was one of the oldest families in the kingdom. From 
1391 to 1841 it was in abeyance, but then it was revived in 
favour of Sir Jacob Astley. The owner of Melton was born in 
1857, ^^^ reached the title through the death of his brother in 
1875. 
In 1880 he married one of the pretty daughters of Lord 
Suffield, having, by the advice of Captain MacheU, become 
associated with the Turf some three years previously. From 
the time of her marriage, Lady Hastings took tne greatest 
interest in racing because her husband was so fond of it As 
first Lord Hastings's horses were under the care of Joe Cannon 
and were managed by Captain MacheU, but he later sent them 
to Mathew Dawson, and they did equally well from the first 
with him. Breadfinder and Master Kildare were amongst the 
earliest bearers of his colours, and one of the latter's victories 
has been recorded in the last chapter. 
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