Name: Large 19th Century Horse "Melton" & Jockey Fred by Archer John Alfred WHEELER Year: 19th Century Size: 110cm x 90xm Medium: Oil Description: Melton With Fred Archer Up Top, 19th Century attributed to John Alfred WHEELER (1821-1903) MELTON - 1885 winner of the Triple Crown, St Leger and The Derby Fine large 19th Century portrait of Melton with Fred Archer up top, oil on canvas attributed to John Alfred Wheeler. Excellent quality and condition important piece of equestrian portraiture and horse racing history. Excellent detail side study on a large scale with the famous horse Melton accompanied by Archer. Presented in its original antique gilt frame. The horse was owned by George, 20th Lord Hastings, whose stable was at Melton Constable, their Norfolk estate. The Times reported Melton’s win at the 1885 Derby: “Further and further did Paradox draw away, and his victory seemed well assured until Melton coming with a run, drew into second place. Inch by inch Melton crept up, and despite Archer’s most strenuous endeavours, the bell was reached ere Lord Hastings’ colt could get on terms. In the short run home from this point a truly magnificent race resulted, and as Melton and Paradox answered gamely to every call that was made upon them the finish was so close that until Melton’s number was hoisted no one could say with certainty which was the winner.” The horse was ridden by the greatest jockey of the age, Fred Archer, who committed suicide the following year. Measurements: 110cm x 90xm framed approx