XIV PREFACE. 



to his much-loved master's memory, had his life 

 been spared for a few more years. Cut off, how- 

 ever, as he was, in the prime of his manhood, no 

 opportunity was afforded him of leaving a sum of 

 money to the attached and loyal servant who has 

 already outlived him for nearly forty-four years. 



It was destined, however, before the end of Mr 

 Kent's life, that a tribute to his merit should be 

 offered by one in whose veins runs the generous 

 blood of the noble owner of Crucifix and Miss 

 Elis. Thus in 1889 it was made known to the 

 present Duke of Portland that Lord George Ben- 

 tinck's trainer was passing his declining years in 

 greatly reduced circumstances, sickness, and ob- 

 scurity. Forthwith the present head of the great 

 House of Bentinck displayed unprecedented kind- 

 ness and liberality towards this old and loyal 

 servant of the family. Ever since that day the 

 present Duke and Duchess of Portland have lost 

 no opportunity of showing attention in a thou- 

 sand ways to the inspirer of the following pages. 



Before closing these remarks, I wish to put upon 

 record the obligations which I owe in more than 

 one quarter for guidance and assistance of the most 

 valuable kind. Among others, Mr W. H. Langley, 

 well known under the name of "Pavo" as the 

 sporting correspondent of ' The Morning Post,' and 



