PREFACE. Xlll 



however, he had shown by repeated examples 

 that the racing stables over which he presided 

 were looked after with a vigilance, and directed 

 with an intelligence, to which no other like estab- 

 lishments could exhibit a parallel. That he was 

 ably, loyally, and faithfully sustained and seconded 

 by his latest trainers, Mr John Kent and his 

 father, will be abundantly proved in the following 

 pages. Undoubtedly the most trying episode 

 of the younger Mr John Kent's career was that 

 connected with Surplice's Derby in 1848, when 

 Lord George Bentinck had quitted the Turf in 

 order to devote himself with characteristic energy 

 to the pursuit of politics. With what anxious 

 solicitude Lord Clifden's splendid colt Surplice was 

 guarded against the machinations of his enemies 

 has never before been stated in print. It should, 

 however, be added that, in consequence of the fatal 

 mistake as to the comparative merits of Surplice 

 and Loadstone, for which the Hon. Francis Villiers 

 was responsible, Mr John Kent was not only 

 unrewarded for his fidelity and vigilance, but 

 was actually a loser upon the only Derby winner 

 ever sent forth from the Goodwood stable. 



There can be little doubt that Lord George 

 Bentinck would have made ample provision for 

 the faithful trainer who has devoted this volume 



