JOHN Dunlop, one of the greatest trainers of modern times and a man respected throughout the sport, has died at the age of 78 after a long illness.

A man of great dignity – a true patrician – he won the Derby with Shirley Heights and Erhaab and merely flicked his fingers when Silver Patriarch was short-headed by Benny The Dip in 1997. Silver Patriarch went one better in the St Leger, giving Pat Eddery his 4,000th winner in Britain. Shirley Heights also won the Irish Derby, as did the brilliant filly Salsabil – previously successful in the British 1000 Guineas and Oaks.

In all there were 21 classic victories at home and abroad, Dunlop often favouring a trip to Italy.

His many fast horses included the brilliant Habibti, one of the few sprinters to beat Soba in her prime.

Dunlop assisted Neville Dent and Gordon Smyth before taking over the latter’s yard in the picturesque little town of Arundel in West Sussex, where he trained for the Duke of Norfolk.

His first winner came with Tamino at Newmarket in 1966 and he was responsible for Sheikh Mohammed’s colours visiting the winner’s enclosure for the first time when Hatta scored at Brighton in 1977. He was champion trainer in 1995 and awarded the OBE the following year.

Thoughtful, unfailingly dignified and always approachable, he was the quintessential English gentleman, although a firm word in the morning would soon correct anyone falling below his standards of correctness.

Willie Carson rode more winners for him, including Erhaab and Salsabil, than he did for any other trainer.

“He was a great man and a super man to ride for,” he said. “I travelled the world with him. What people may not know is that his great passion was art and when we visited new cities he’d take me along to the galleries. I leaned what I know of art from him.”

John Dunlop leaves his wife, Sue, and his two youngest sons Ed and Harry, both well-established within the training fraternity.