Skukuza gains second Curragh victory for Ed Dunlop

Ed Dunlop’s Skukuza showed his liking for the Curragh once again when claiming the Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes.

The four-year-old had made a successful raid on a valuable handicap at the Kildare track on Irish 2,000 Guineas day but this time was back for Listed action and was sent off at 11-4 in the hands of Ryan Moore.

Quickly sent to the head of affairs by his big-race pilot, the Newmarket traveller never missed a beat on the front end as Moore dictated the pace before sending his mount on to secure a two-and-a-quarter-length victory over Johnny Murtagh’s Alakazi, with Paddy Twomey’s 2-1 favourite Currawood further back in third.

Robin Trevor Jones, travelling head lad to Ed Dunlop, said: “We ran him in the Britannia last year where he ran a great race (second) but it really jarred him up and we couldn’t risk him on that fast ground at Ascot this year.

“It was a brave decision not to run when you are one of the favourites for the Royal Hunt Cup but the plan has worked. He’s a Listed winner now so we are growing.

“Ryan really wanted to get a lead but he didn’t expect any pace on so he said I might have to make my own running which he did. The horse has never done that, but he did everything right and I think the further he went the further he was going to win.

“He likes coming back here for Classic days so maybe there is something for him on Oaks day!”