Skukuza a third English winner at the Curragh Following on from big race wins in both Group contests on the card, the English raiding party enjoyed another success as the Ed Dunlop trained Skukuza landed the QuinnBet Emerald Mile Handicap (Premier Handicap) at the Curragh. In a race that revolved around the very well backed 2/1f Lord Church, Ryan Moore was content to watch on from rear as the market leader tracked Serialise in the initial stages. Indigo Five and Coeur d'Or came through to deliver challenges for a furlong out, as Lord Church weakened. Shane Foley appeared to have stolen the race when kicking from the front on Serialise over 150 yards out but, Moore produced the 9/2 chance from off the strong pace to lead inside the last 50 yards. Serialise held on for second, with Slieve Binnian running on late to claim third. “We’re delighted. We came here for the rain and it came at the right time,” said Dunlop. “He deserved to win this. He got injured in the Britannia, which he ran so well in, and things haven’t gone right for him. “He’s a smart horse and I’m delighted for my team and obviously for Mrs Rupert. Possibly the Hunt Cup next. “It’s a nice pot, a great day and a long time since I had a winner here. I haven’t had many runners here. We won a few classics here but it’s seems like a while ago. “He had come down a pound or two but he’s only run twice since the Britannia. We had to put him away for the whole year. “The key to nice horses are owners being patient and she was patient. We gave him all the time in the world and here we go.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
