Exciting times for Dunlop

Ed Dunlop is “very excited” about the prospect of leasing Gainsborough Stables from his employers and operating from the Newmarket yard in his own right as a public trainer.

Dunlop, son of Arundel trainer John, will take over the lease at the beginning of next year.

The change comes about following the death of Sheikh Maktoum earlier in the year and will mean that Dunlop is no longer employed by Gainsborough.

Following an excellent season with stable stars Ouija Board and Court Masterpiece winning three Group One races between them, Dunlop is looking forward to the challenge.

He said: “It’s very exciting. We’ve been very lucky with the good horses and we’ve had great support. We’ve got a wonderful yard to train from to become a public trainer.

“Sheikh Mohammed and the Darley team have given us a good deal. We are going to lease the yard, rebuild and try to attract some new clients.

“We are open for business and need to actively look for new horses. Like every trainer I’d like to win the Derby and find another Ouija Board.

“The death of Sheikh Maktoum was a huge blow for all of us at Gainsborough Stables. I will always be very grateful to him for supporting me and giving me such an opportunity so early in my training career.”

Peter Amos, speaking on behalf of Darley, said: “Everyone at Darley wishes Ed and his team continued success in the future.”