FOREWORD 



In the autumn of 1913 I was asked if I would 

 help Mr. John Porter to prepare a book in 

 which he wished to tell the story of his career 

 as a trainer of racehorses. Before I could agree 

 to do so it was necessary to persuade myself that 

 the request was of a character that justified the 

 breaking of a resolution to have nothing more 

 to do with the writing of books. I make no pre- 

 tence that there was a severe tussle with conscience. 

 The temptation was great, and, convinced that 

 the task I was desired to undertake would be of 

 a particularly agreeable kind, I gladly placed my 

 services at Mr. Porter's disposal. 



It was in January 19 14 we made a beginning. 

 Little did either of us imagine that nearly six 

 years would elapse before the projected book 

 reached the publication stage. There were 

 several causes for the delay, the chief of them 

 being the War. It may be said that the delay 



