I am interested in this song as Freddy Archer was from Cheltenham, where I live. The recording I have in mind is of Arthur Richardson, not Billy Harrison. It was issued on CD by the Helions Bumstead Gramophone Company. Arthur had moved away from Suffolk to Yorkshire but Neal Lanham recorded him in the early 60s on a visit to Blaxhall. Here are his words:

A man has passed away, the sad truth we must say
Freddie Archer he is dead and on his dying bed
He gave to me the history of his record.

Twas on the Epsom course he rode the winning horse
For on Doncaster down to Manchester he was a star turn
For his horses seemed to fly as he passed those others by
And the crowds they would cheer him as he came on

No better on the course, ..? sat upon the horse
The beaming jockey they used to name him
For his horses seemed to fly as he passed those others by
And the crowds they would cheer him as he came on.

Now Freddie Archer he is done, tens of thousands he has won
No jockey on the racecourse was no better
His eye 'twas firm and true, he knew just what to do.
Did that bold and fearless rider Freddie Archer.


A verse printed in English Dance and Song (Christmas 1970) went:

A man has passed away, the truth to you I say
The boldest man that ever sat on a racehorse
Freddy Archer he is dead and on his dying bed
He gave to me this history of his record


And in Spring 1971:

Freddie Archer's dead and gone, all the races that he won
There was no one could say they were his master
His empty saddle now is all that we can show
Of the bold and fearless rider, Freddie Archer.

It was on the Epsom Dowms, that he rode those great reknowns
(2 lines missing?)
The bold and fearless rider, Freddie Archer.

And from my own collecting:
From Danny Brazil (Gloucestershire gypsy):

Freddie Archer is dead and gone and his mem'ry is hanging on
A brave man was young Freddie Archer
He rode on Epsom course and he rode the winning horse
A brave man was young Freddie Archer


From Biggun Smith (Gloucestershire gypsy):

Freddie Archer's dead and he's in his lonely bed
He was the greatest rider, Freddie Archer
Wherever he did ride, he was old England's pride
He was the greatest rider, Freddie Archer

It strikes me that these are all partial texts and that somewhere lurking is a complete song. I would be interested to know Billy Harrison's words to see if they are similar to the above.

Enjoy

Tradsinger