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Ed Dunlop
La Grange Stables Trainer
THE year 2009 marks the start of a new era for Ed Dunlop who now trains from the historic La Grange Stables in Newmarket.
Dunlop enjoyed great success from his previous base at Gainsborough Stables on the Hamilton Road where he started his career working for the late Sheikh Maktoum.
During his 15 years there, Dunlop established himself both at home and internationally with a host of top-class victories.
He oversaw the racing life of the brilliant Ouija Board, while Lailani, Ta Rib, Fraulein, Court Masterpiece and Independence are among the many other outstanding horses to come under his care.
In an exciting move for Ed and his team, the trainer has bought La Grange, which is located on the Fordham Road, in close proximity to the famous Long Hill and Warren Hill training grounds.
It has been an active racing stable for over 130 years and is reckoned to be a lucky yard. Dunlop is hoping that such a reputation continues as this latest chapter in his career unfolds.
Certainly, the 2009 campaign couldn’t have got off to a better start as his first runner Romantic Queen won on January 2 at Wolverhampton.
Dunlop said: “I am thrilled to be training from La Grange, which is steeped in tradition and ideally located.
“I am very fortunate to have an excellent team working for me and feel sure that with their skill and determination we can maximise the potential of the horses sent to us here.
“I’m also lucky to have the support of many supportive and loyal owners and won’t stint in my own efforts to provide them with the best service I can.”
Since taking out a licence in 1994, Dunlop has trained well over 600 winners, many at stakes level. He registered his first Classic victory with Ta Rib in 1996 when she won the French 1000 Guineas and he has gone on to taste success at many of racing’s grandest stages, including Royal Ascot, the Breeders’ Cup and Glorious Goodwood.
In his final year at Gainsborough Stables it was business as usual as Dunlop sent out a steady supply of winners – approaching 50 in total. Chantilly Tiffany more than paid her way with a Group 3 and a Listed victory to her name, while Mischief Making – a four-time winner in 2008 – also scored in stakes’ company.
There were plenty of other useful performers with Wasan winning three times from five starts. He remains in training as a four-year-old and hopefully can continue to make his mark. Two-year-old Crystal Moments also recorded three victories and fellow juvenile Masamah caught the eye in winning two of his three races. Derbass was another of that generation to display more than his fair share of talent, landing a maiden before placing twice in stakes’ races.
There were further encouraging efforts by the 2008 Dunlop two-year-olds, which augurs well for the current year. Throw in the fact that classy older horses Chantilly Tiffany, Wasan, Mischief Making and Broomielaw are back for more action this year and there are good grounds for optimism. There are some sharp-looking two-year-olds, too, which can only be another positive.
Part of racing’s enduring attraction is the dream. But in an industry that is ever more results-orientated, it is about delivering success. And that is what Dunlop and his team are focussed on doing in the months and years ahead.
By Tony Rushmer
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