Charles Archer

1852 - 1922

Charles Edward Archer, who was a successful jockey and trainer, was born on December 22, 1858. He died at Newmarket on Monday, September 11, 1922, from an attack of double pneumonia. He was originally thought to have almost recovered but suffered a fatal relapse that morning.

He left £2,136.

The brother of Fred Archer, Charles became associated with Mr Brayley when starting his riding career. So many winners did lucky owner Mr Brayley provide that Charles was once heard to say that he was tired of winning.

All that changed when Charles moved to Newmarket to ride as light-weight to William Gilbert's stable.

Increasing weight compelled him to take up training, and, working for Lord Ellsmere, won for him the 1882 Manchester Cup (Wallenstein), the Stewards' Cup (Lowland Chief) and the Manchester November Handicap (Boswell).

Charles won over £30,000 backing Wallenstein.

The following year he almost won the Derby with Highland Chief, which was beaten by only a neck.

Boswell went on to win the 1893 Liverpool Autumn Cup. Another notable winner was Miss Dollar, who won the Duke of York Stakes in 1892.

Charles also won the Lincolnshire Handicap with Wolf's Crag (1893) and again with Sir Geoffrey (1900).

Charles's son, Frederick, trained a large string of horses at Malton. Another son, Charles junior, died as a result of an illness contracted during military service in the Great War.