Times Up gave the soon-to-retire John Dunlop an emotional victory with a superb performance in the Doncaster Cup.
Dunlop announced on Thursday he plans to bring his long and illustrious training career to an end when the curtain comes down on the current Flat season in November, citing a lack of numbers as one of the major reasons behind his decision.
Times Up has been one of his stable stars over the past couple of seasons and was 5-1 to land this Group Two prize having bounced back to form in the Lonsdale Cup at York last month.
Ridden patiently by Eddie Ahern, the six-year-old moved smoothly into contention and was still hard on the bridle rounding the home turn.
With favourite Saddler’s Rock and Gold Cup hero Colour Vision both under strong driving, Ahern produced his mount to take the lead heading inside the final furlong and he galloped all the way to the line to beat the staying-on High Jinx by a neck.
“I’m thrilled,” Dunlop said.
“He’s a good staying horse and he’s got a very appropriate name too. Mind, it’s not the end yet!”
