Arundel stalwart Dunlop to retire as a trainer

The Arundel-based handler is calling time on a famous career because of a reduced number of horses in training and the need to help look after his wife, who is ill.

Dunlop, 73, based at Castle Stables, was twice winner of the Epsom Derby with Shirley Heights (1978) and Erhaab (1994), He saddled three St Leger winners in Moon Madness (1986), Silver Patriarch (1997) and Millenary (2000).

Other big wins include three 1000 Guineas winners and two Oaks winners.

After more than 3,500 race winners, Dunlop said: “I can confirm that I’ll be retiring at the end of the current Flat turf season.

“There are several reasons. I now have much reduced stable numbers and it is now less viable than it once was.”

Dunlop, who is a board member of Goodwood racecourse, first took out a training licence in 1966 and was champion trainer in 1995, sending out a total of 10 Classic winners.

More reaction in the Observer next week.