vi PREFACE 



Bentinck, the autocrat of the race-course in his 

 day ; John Porter, whose Kingsciere is rich in 

 interest to all who care for Turf history ; and 

 William Day, who was encouraged by the success 

 of his Racehorse in Training to write three or 

 four other books. Among prominent owners, the 

 late Sir John Astley, and Sir George Chetwynd, 

 both in their day Stewards of the Jockey Club, 

 have penned their reminiscences. 



But though books about the Turf are numerous, 

 I do not think that one has ever been written on 

 the lines of the present volume, in which men 

 professionally connected with racing in various 

 capacities, and enthusiasts who have occupied 

 themselves with the sport as devotedly as if it 

 were their profession, discuss the branches of the 

 subject with which they are most familiar. The 

 Trainer, the Jockey, the Breeder, the Judge, the 

 Starter, the Handicapper, the Bookmaker, the 

 Tout, and the Tipster, men who earn their daily 

 bread on race-courses, here give detailed descrip- 

 tions of the business which occupies their lives ; 

 the Owner, that venturesome personage the Backer, 

 and the Race-goer, write of what they know so 

 well. 



It may certainly be claimed for this book — 

 reprinted from the Bad?ninton Magazine — that it 



