Born in Ireland on November 11, 1899, Stratford Hercules Dennis enjoyed just a brief, amateur career in the saddle before having to relinquish his permit in 1928 to take out, instead, a licence to train.
His elder brother Captain Meade Edward Dennis (1893-1965) was also a successful amateur rider.
Stratford became a full Captain whilst serving in the Navy during WW2. He was decorated three times and mentioned in dispatches.
In 1949, he was appointed Consul in Spain.
He then ditched his wife in favour of a Siamese model and spent the rest of his life in Thailand.
He won the Lancashire Chase twice: White Park (1926) & Trump Card (1927). He also had three rides in the Grand National and trained the 1928 Lancashire Chase winner.
Stratford died on 2 September, 1979, aged 79.
Article courtesy Chas Hammond