A WELL-KNOWN Irish collector of sporting memorabilia has put up for auction a rare portrait of Victorian champion jockey Fred Archer, painted by celebrated portrait artist Rosa Corder in 1883, three years before Archer’s early death. Corder herself also died tragically young, 10 years after completing the portrait. The painting is considered to be the finest record left of Archer, who famously visited Ireland shortly before his death, and clearly depicts his treasured pearl cravat pin.
A celebrity of X-Factor proportions in his day, Archer brought Dublin to a standstill when hundreds of people turned out to catch a glimpse of him at the Shelbourne Hotel in 1886. He lost 6Ib in 24 hours in order to take two rides at the Curragh and while at the Curragh received the fateful telegram committing him to ride St Mirin in the Cambridgeshire, the severe wasting for which ultimately led to his fever and suicide.
The portrait is expected to fetch well over £5,000 and it’s hoped by the vendor that it will find a home in the National Racing Museum in Newmarket. The auction takes place at Sotheby’s New Bond Street Saleroom, London, on October 26th.
A NEW movie Being AP takes an in-depth look at one of today’s greatest jockeys, who thankfully did not suffer the same fate as Archer, A.P. McCoy.
Ageing but fearless, nearing the end of his career yet still willing to sacrifice everything to achieve his dream in his highly dangerous sport, this feature length documentary is a real celebration of an incredible man.
The film follows A.P. through his exhaustive training routine, the complications he suffers from the various injuries he’s endured throughout his career and the effect this has on his family. The film covers all the elements that make A.P. the greatest jump jockey the world has ever seen and focuses on the unique combination of skills that have sustained his career and the team around him that have contributed to his success.
Available in Irish cinemas from November 27th and available on DVD and Blu-Ray on November 30th.