William Archer Jr.

On Friday, March 22, 1878, William Hayward Archer, aged 25, brother of the great Fred, fell when riding Salvanie in the 3.15 hurdle race at Cheltenham.

The race, to be run twice around the course, had attracted just three runners.

Coming to the flight of hurdles opposite the Grandstand for the second time, William and George Jarvis, riding Neptune, disputed the lead.

Neptune skipped over it cleanly: Salvanie stumbled on landing, pitching Archer over his head. Archer landed on his right shoulder. Again the horse stumbled, and fell heavily onto the jockey's chest. Recovering its feet, the horse then trod upon Archer's face and chest.

Several medical men - including Drs. Jessop, Ryley and Cox - raced to the scene immediately. The unconscious jockey was taken to the back of the Grandstand then later removed to 28, Imperial Square where Dr. Ryley stayed with him until he died the following morning, Saturday, at 1.30. 

At an inquest held later, the jury returned a verdict of 'accidental death.'