Dunlop pays tribute to Starkey

John Dunlop paid tribute to Derby-winning jockey Greville Starkey, who died yesterday at the age of 70 after an eight-year battle with cancer.

Starkey won both the English and Irish Derbies on Shirley Heights for the Arundel trainer in 1978.

“He won the Derby and the Irish Derby for me and the Dante, all on Shirley Heights as a three-year-old,” said Dunlop.

“He was a great jockey at his best. He will always remembered by me for winning that Derby so narrowly, particularly the Curragh when he also won by a head.

“He was a fine rider. Sadly, I hadn’t seen him for some years but I’d heard he hadn’t been well for some time.

“One greatly appreciated his skills as a jockey. I am very sorry to hear the news.”