i6o The Life of Fred Archer 
without his formidable rival, and it must have been a surprise for 
him when he saw Valour's head alongside. It was a desperate 
race, but Archer's magnificent finish just did the trick, and he 
got Valour's head in front of Peter's at the end. I remember a 
friend of mine standing close to me, who had backed Peter, 
exclaimed : ' He'd win on a donkey ! ' 
" The first time I met Archer was in the Saracen's Head at 
Lincoln. I had seen him ride many times. I fancy it was the 
year Rosy Cross won the Lincoln Handicap, or maybe Touchet 
— it was one of them. 
" I am writing nearly all the racing from memory. Some- 
how Archer seemed to fascinate people ; I know he did me. 
Perhaps it was the glamour of his wonderful riding, yet I 
think it was his personality. He had a kind, gentlemanly 
manner, though he could speak sharply at times. His face 
was most expressive, generally with a smile on it when he met a 
friend. He was tall for a jockey — about 5 ft. 9 in., I should 
think. 
" Although he was thin he did not look it. His strength 
was great, but he had to waste to keep down his weight. He 
had wonderful eyes. At first they seemed languid, especially 
when the lids fell over them as he was thinking ; but once he 
became interested there came into them a smouldering fire 
which illuminated his face. He almost talked with his eyes, 
they were so expressive' — at least, I found them so. 
" He had a voice that mated with them, for there was a 
slumbering power in it, a subdued strength, will, determination, 
a not-to-be-beaten tone, but it was never harsh or jarring, 
even when raised. 
" A kinder-hearted man never lived than Fred Archer. 
That some people misunderstood him I know, but who has not 
been misunderstood at one time or another ? How much he 
gave away will never be known, for he did good actions in 
secret. 
" I beheve he was fond of money, but only for the power it 
