Arguably one of the first sporting heroes in history, Fred Archer, `The Tin Man`, was a legend in his time (1857 - 1886). He won an unbeaten record of 1 in 3 races during his short 17 year racing life. A champion jockey for 13 years, winning 2748 races, with 21 classic wins, including the Derby 5 times, riding 246 winners in 1885 alone. In those days getting to meetings was by hack, horse and carriage or by train, a remarkable endurance and test of character. He tragically shot himself when he was only 29.
Launched on the 8th November 2016 to commemorate the 130th anniversary of his death, participants are sought to fund a stunning life-size bronze statue of one of the greatest flat race jockeys of all time, Fred Archer. The commemoration statue will be located at the brand new National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art at Palace House, Newmarket opening in the Autumn 2016. palacehousenewmarket.co.uk
You can be part of a piece of history, showcasing one of the greatest and first sporting heroes. A commemoration statue to coincide with the opening of the brand new Palace House Museum in Newmarket.
The new bronze statue will use this portrait, depicting Fred Archer standing in his Lord Hastings colours after his 1885 Derby win on Melton.
Unusually tall for a jockey at 5ft 10inch, Fred Archer was constantly trying to keep his riding weight down to 8 stone, which, combined with his irreconcilable loss of his young wife giving birth to their daughter, was one of the reasons that led to his suicide while battling with a typhoid fever. Archer had a remarkable competitive nature and will to win, and whilst he rode for the elite, such as Prince of Wales (King Edward VII), Dukes of Westminster, Hamilton and Portland, Lord Falmouth and Lord Hastings, he was a people’s man and idolised wherever he went.
"It’s hard to understand just what effect his unexpected suicide had on the country. If one can remember the public reaction to Princess Diana’s death, Archer’s death had a similar impact in 1886. National mourning and tributes poured out in newspapers here in the UK and in America. Everyone was grieving over this much-loved and inspirational sporting-hero. Fred Archer left a considerable fortune when he died, and there have been many ascertions as to the reasons for his suicide."
The bronze statue will be created to commemorate this extraordinary sporting hero. The title of the statue will be : “The Tin Man - too tall for a jockey ?” and will stand life-size at 5 foot 10 inches, positioned at ground level, so visitors can appreciate just how exceptionally tall Fred Archer was for a jockey. The site location is close to the All Saints’ Church where he was married and also had his funeral. The high quality statue will be commissioned by ArchersUp Productions, and made by one of the leading British bronze Sculptors, making it of national importance, and available for all the public to see.
The Tin Man Committee
The Tin Man Committee is a group of well-known figures from the racing fraternity, who fully support this Fred Archer Commemoration Statue Project.
The organisation is founded by Fred Archer’s great grand-son, Alex Tosetti, and includes: Brough Scott, Lester Piggott, Nick Luck, Jilly Cooper, John Berry, Graham Snelling, Kate Hills, James Fanshawe, Tim Hailstone, Edward Gillespie, Steven Blake, Sir Mark Prescott, Tim Cox.
Through this project, the Committee wishes to celebrate the racing tradition and emphasise the sporting prowess of characters such as Fred Archer for future generations to enjoy.
Alex Tosetti is also a patron of the Fred Archer Racing syndicate, managed by James Fanshawe at Pegasus Stables in Newmarket, which is also helping to raise the profile of this great legend.
jamesfanshawe.com/fred-archer-racing
One of the syndicate horses, `The Tin Man`, named after Fred Archer himself, recently won the 2016 Qipco Champion Sprint at Ascot, riden by Tom Queally.
.........so the Fred Archer legacy continues............
Fred Archer on Ormonde in the 1886 St Ledger.
Individuals or organisations are sought to contribute to the funding for this project.
£45,000 is needed for the production and installation of the life size bronze sculpture.
The Statue will be commissed and installed in the summer of 2017
The statue supporters will be rewarded for their generocity ( see Rewards ). For instance, they can be named on a plaque at ground level and invited to the unveiling ceremony. There will also be limited edition minature maquettes available too.
For more information contact
Alex Tosetti on +44 (0) 7803 627 116
© ArchersUp Productions Ltd