March Stakes at Goodwood to be run in memory of training legend John Dunlop

The newly upgraded March Stakes at Goodwood on Saturday week will be run in memory of multiple Classic-winning trainer John Dunlop, who died last month aged 78.

Dunlop, who sent out nearly 3,600 winners during a 47-year career at Castle Stables at nearby Arundel, won the March Stakes with Scottish Rifle (1972) and Rain Rider (1992).

The Ladbrokes-sponsored contest will be run as a Group 3 this year on the same card as the Group 2 Celebration Mile.

Goodwood clerk of the course Ed Arkell said on Friday: "We're very pleased to run the March Stakes in memory of John.

"As a local trainer, he was a great supporter of Goodwood and was also on the board of directors here for a number of years. He had success in the race and was always a fan of the stayer and staying races here."

Dunlop's son Ed said: "Goodwood was my father's favourite racecourse in the world and to have a race named in his honour so quickly after his death is deeply touching.

"Our thanks go to the Duke of Richmond, Ed Arkell and everyone at the course. Unfortunately I don't have a runner for the race – we've looked, I can assure you – but my brother Harry has talked about possibly having a horse to run."

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