Group 1-winning trainer Harry Dunlop has announced that he will quit training at the end of this season.
Just over a week after established handler Joe Tuite walked away from the profession due to financial difficulties, Dunlop has revealed that he is exiting the training ranks for the same reason.
Dunlop's career highlight came when Robin Of Navan (Fr) won the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud in 2015, while Knight To Behold (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Fighting Irish (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Classic Remark (Ire) (Dr Fong) and Festoso (Ire) (Diesis {GB}) won black type races for the Lambourn trainer.
Son of former Arundel-based trainer John and brother to Classic-winning handler Ed, Dunlop is looking to stay in the racing industry if possible.
“It is something I have thought about over the last few years and my main reason is that it is so hard to keep a business thriving in the current economic climate,” Dunlop said in a statement posted on Twitter.
“When you don't have a huge string of horses to cover the rising costs of staff, transport, feed, bedding, it is just not viable.
“Thankfully my business is in good shape, so I thought this was a good time to make this decision and to look for a new career.
“We have had some wonderful horses and clients over the years and many memorable days racing.
“I am going to be looking at future job options within the racing industry and beyond, which is very exciting.
“I would like to thank my current team at Frenchmans Lodge Stables who have been extremely supportive as have all of my owners.”
Dunlop enjoyed a high-profile winner at Ascot on Saturday with Adaay In Asia (GB) (Adaay {Ire}), who also struck gold at Goodwood, landing the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint.
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