RACING:VETERAN CLASSIC-winning trainer John Dunlop is to retire at the end of the current Flat season.
Twice winner of the Epsom Derby with Shirley Heights (1978) and Erhaab (1994), Arundel-based Dunlop, 73, also saddled three St Leger winners in Moon Madness (1986), Silver Patriarch (1997) and Millenary (2000).
Other big wins on his roll of honour include three 1000 Guineas winners – Quick As Lightning (1980), Salsabil (1990) and Shadayid (1991) – and two Oaks winners in Circus Plume (1984) and Salsabil (1990), with the latter also winning the Irish Derby, as did Shirley Heights.
Only the 2000 Guineas eluded him of the five Classics run in Britain.
Married to Susan in 1965, Dunlop has two sons, Ed and Harry, both of whom are now successful trainers.
“There are several reasons behind the decision,” said Dunlop. “I now have much reduced stable numbers and it is now less viable than it once was. My wife has also been ill for quite a while as well, so that has been a factor and I can also now live in the shadow of my very successful sons.
“I don’t want to get involved at the moment (in talking about his career), it is a little bit too fresh. I talked to the staff this morning and my owners yesterday and today.”
Born in Gloucestershire, Dunlop first took out a training licence in 1966 and was champion trainer in 1995, sending out a total of 10 Classic winners. Another highlight in an illustrious career which saw 74 Group One victories was the flying sprinter Habibti, winner of the July Cup, Nunthorpe, Haydock Sprint Cup and Prix de l’Abbaye in 1983.
