John Dunlop, a towering figure in horse racing with nearly 3,600 wins over his illustrious career, passed away at the age of 78. For almost half a century, Dunlop was an institution, a trainer whose name was synonymous with success and elegance on the Flat. His Arundel, Sussex, stable was a launchpad for numerous champions, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
A Career Defined by Classic Victories
Dunlop’s exceptional talent was showcased through a remarkable list of major race wins. Among his most celebrated horses were Shirley Heights, who clinched both the English and Irish Derbys in 1978; Ragstone, the victor of the 1974 Ascot Gold Cup; and Shadayid, who triumphed in the 1,000 Guineas in 1991. His prowess extended to the St Leger, with three notable wins courtesy of Moon Madness (1986), Silver Patriarch (1997), and Millenary (2000).
Beyond these iconic victories, Dunlop also trained Habibti, a champion sprinter, and was crowned the champion trainer on the Flat in 1995. His classic successes were numerous, including two Derby wins, three 1,000 Guineas, and two Oaks. During his peak, he attracted a prestigious roster of owners, including the prominent Maktoum family. The success of Hatta at Brighton in 1977, racing in Sheikh Mohammed’s colours, marked the beginning of thousands of wins in the UK for the Maktoums under Dunlop’s guidance.
A Pioneer in Global Racing
With a pioneering spirit, Dunlop was adept at maximizing his resources and embraced the opportunity to compete for valuable prizes worldwide. His influential horse, Highland Chieftain, exemplified this global ambition, having competed in 10 different countries by the time of his retirement in 1990.
The Early Years and Rise to Prominence
Born in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, John Dunlop was the son of John, a doctor and dedicated racing enthusiast, and Margaret. After his education at Marlborough College and completing his national service in the Royal Ulster Rifles, Dunlop placed an advertisement in the Sporting Life seeking a position in racing. This advertisement caught the eye of Neville Dent, who was training a small string of jump horses in the New Forest. Dent hired Dunlop as a general helper, recognizing his innate ambition. Dent remarked, “I saw John’s ad as the same cry for help I had made 20 years earlier. He was very ambitious and it was soon obvious he was going right to the top.”
Two years later, in 1963, Dunlop responded to an advertisement for an assistant trainer and secretary role with Gordon Smyth, the private trainer for the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk and their associates at Castle Stables in Arundel. Despite lacking typing skills and admitting to not knowing what PAYE stood for, Dunlop secured the position. His significant impact was recognized in late 1965 when he took over the training license at the young age of 26, as Smyth transitioned to Lewes.
A Legacy of Consistent Success
The victory of Tamino in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket in 1966 heralded the start of a remarkable run of winners that would span 47 years. Dunlop began with 50 horses and expanded his operation to 200. The vast majority of his horses were conditioned on a seven-furlong, all-weather uphill gallop, meaning they encountered grass only when competing for the first time. Dunlop favored utilizing the best available jockeys but uniquely discouraged them from visiting Arundel to ride in morning exercises. Instead, he entrusted this to his stable staff. The last recorded instance of a prominent jockey riding on his gallops was reportedly Brian Rouse in 1980, a last-minute booking for Quick As Lightning, who went on to win the 1,000 Guineas.
Despite this approach, Dunlop forged a long and highly successful partnership with jockey Willie Carson, who rode more winners for him than any other jockey. Together, they achieved top-level triumphs, including with Salsabil in the 1990 Oaks and Irish Derby, and Erhaab in the 1994 Derby.
A Master of His Craft in Idyllic Surroundings
Described as tall and urbane yet restlessly energetic, Dunlop began each day with a 6 am swim in his unheated pool. A morning spent with him on the gallops adjacent to the magnificent old oak trees in Arundel Park offered a glimpse of a master quietly and meticulously at work in an idyllic setting. Continuity was a hallmark of his tenure, with consistent staff and owners forming part of a time-honored routine where the trainer never appeared rushed to race his horses.
However, his later years at Arundel presented unexpected challenges. A decline in the number of horses and owners led to the voluntary liquidation of his business in 2012. While not the conclusion he envisioned, Dunlop could reflect on a body of work matched by very few in the training profession.
A Generous Spirit and Tireless Fundraiser
Renowned for his generosity and a wry sense of humor, Dunlop actively participated in several charitable committees. He was a dedicated fundraiser for various racing causes, notably lending strong support to the Racing Welfare charity. In the early 1970s, he played a pivotal role in organizing a show jumping event at Ascot that successfully raised £250,000 to aid in the preservation of the Grand National. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded an OBE in 1996.
John Dunlop is survived by his wife, Sue (née Page), and his two sons, Ed and Harry, both of whom are also racehorse trainers. His third son, Tim, tragically died in a car accident in France in 1987, with his promising racing career cut short.
