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New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association life member William Roberts (Robin) Archer, who died in Auckland recently aged 87, was also successful in business, active in the community and achieved fame in rugby and racing.
An Otago and Southland representative - he captained the latter province to a Ranfurly Shield victory against Taranaki in 1959 - he also gained test match honours with the All Blacks.
In 1957, Robin married Muriel Charleson, who supported and shared all his sporting interests, especially thoroughbred racing and breeding.
Their major racing achievements stemmed from their 1981 purchase of a yearling filly by Alvaro out of Honey Carlyle. Named McAngus, she was trained in Gore by Alan Borthwick to a pair of metropolitan wins and a series of stakes placings. She was subsequently the dam of three-time New Zealand Broodmare of the Year Songline and grand-dam of Australian and New Zealand Hall of Fame champion Sunline.
The Archers also enjoyed success with Philamor, a grandson of Honey Carlyle, who won five races including the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2000m) and the Gr.3 Waikato Guineas (1600m) from Tony Cole’s stable. Other Archer-raced stakes winners were Bolton and Alegrio.
Robin Archer served terms as president of the Gore Racing Club and on the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association council.
He is survived by Muriel and their children Susan, Kate and Les.