Race to the Finish : The Life and Times of Fred Archer

The legendary racehorse jockey Fred Archer, one of England's greatest sportsmen, enjoyed a life of unparalleled success. From inauspicious beginnings, he became Champion Jockey for twelve years between 1874 and 1886; he had fame and fortune, mixed with the nobility and was one of the most eligible bachelors in England - attracting the attentions of a Duchess - yet his life was marred by tragedy and ended in suicide. In this authoritative biography, Amanda Murray presents new insights into Archer's life. As well as drawing upon the reminiscences of his family and friends to explore his character and relationships, she creates a fascinating portrait of the colourful racing world of the era, with its lively characters and changing class attitudes. An exciting read about a sporting hero of his day, this compelling book is not just for followers of horseracing or racing history, but for anyone interested in the story of an individual whose ambition and courage earned him a place in history and folk-lore.Murray, Amanda is the author of 'Race to the Finish : The Life and Times of Fred Archer', published 2004 under ISBN 9781861056115 and ISBN 1861056117.