The wife of horse racing trainer John Dunlop today pleaded for the return of thousands of pounds worth of cups which were stolen from the family home.

Among the £22,000 worth of trophies taken was the Goodwood Cup, presented to Mr Dunlop in 1990 following the success of his horse Lucky Moon.

Other items taken included ashtrays, a Rolex watch, a silver cigarette box, engraved silver plates and old family china.

The break-in happened overnight on May 10 at the Dunlop home in London Road, Arundel. Mr Dunlop and his wife Sue were asleep upstairs at the time.

Mrs Dunlop appealed for anyone with information to come forward, saying: "A lot of the things taken were connected with the racing world but there were also a lot of other bits and pieces.

"They all have a great deal of sentimental value and we have been very upset about losing them.

"It was a very upsetting thing to happen. We didn't hear anything and we only knew something was wrong when we went downstairs and saw that someone had broken in.

"The dog was in the kitchen overnight and she probably barked but unfortunately we didn't hear her."

The Dunlops are asking for dealers in Sussex to be on the alert for any trophies, medals, cups or any other goods. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Dave Dowell said: "These awards are obviously extremely important in the racing world and are of great sentimental value.

"We are asking anyone who may have been approached by anyone trying to sell the goods on or who may know who is involved to contact us."

DC Dowell can be contacted at Worthing CID on 0845 6070999.

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