Record cash at Arundel open day

More than 2,000 people, not just from West Sussex, but also from all over the country arrived in glorious sunshine to support this popular event which was sponsored by Philippa Cooper's Normandie Stud at Kirdford.

Secretary Marcus Hosgood said: "It was a great day with superb weather. When all the money is in we expect to have raised almost 40,000- a fantastic record for the event."

Visitors were able to meet Mr Dunlop, who has now sent out almost 3,500 winners from Castle Stables, including ten English Classic winners.

Apart going into the boxes with many top racehorses, and seeing others over the door, there were plenty of stalls, raffles and prize draws.

Senior partner at Arundel Equine Hospital, Paul du Preez was there with his daughter Nicole, explaining the anatomy of the racehorse and injuries with the help of bones and x-rays.

Castle Stables farriers Peter Burton and Todd Hind had a selection of shoes and chatted to visitors about their work.

John Dunlop himself was hard at work signing autographs on programmes, and there was the chance to win a prize by guessing the weight of a riding horse in the yard.

The Goodwood Racehorse Owners' Group, which offers great value for money, has two horses trained by John Dunlop- Goodwood Maestro and Goodwood Diva. It raffled a 200th share in Goodwood Diva on the day, which was won by Paul Pinley from Dial Post.

The three benefiting charities are ones close to John Dunlop's heart and all situated in West Sussex: Moorcroft Racing Welfare Centre, which re-trains and re-habilitates retired racehorses; Burpham Parish Church which needs financial support and Chestnut Tree House children's hospice.

See West Sussex Gazette June 3 for feature and more equestrian news and pictures