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The Phantom Horseman: The Story of Fred Archer
Probably the most famous jockey in Newmarket's racing history shot himself dead in 1886 at the age of only 29. Archer was unusualy tall for a jockey but fast became a national hero due to his personality and remarkable racing career. By the time of his untimely death, Archer had been champion on 13 consecutive occasions, and had ridden five Derby winners. Archer became depressed after the tragic death of his baby son and young wife during childbirth. In addition to his mental anguish, he was enduring the excruciating physical agony of trying to maintain a racing weight.
On 8th November 1886, he shot himself dead in Falmouth House, during a fit of delirium. Falmouth house has since been demolished, but the stables that Archer built next to it remain an enduring monument to the man. Falmouth Lodge as it was then known has since been renamed Pegauss Stables. Archer never forfilled his ambition of training there, but he did keep his hacks and carriage horses there. Much his favourite hack was Scotch Pearl, a grey mare who had retired from racing. Since his death there have been many reported sightings of Archer on a ghostly white horse at Pegasus Stables.
About Newmarket
Evening dog walkers on Newmarket Heath have had similar sightings of a ghostly white horse galloping across the heath, whilst others have heard galloping horse shoes thundering accross the heath without a horse in sight. Could any of these reported sightings really be the ghost of Fred Archer ? Whatever the truth is, the tragic story of Fred Archer will be enscribed in the history of Newmarket forever.
Comments - Have you seen the phantom horseman ? We want to know !