Skukuza's expedition yields Celebration success UK-based trainer Ed Dunlop enhanced his good Curragh record with success in today’s Listed Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes with Cayton Park Stud’s Skukuza (11/4), who was following up a May course-handicap win. Ridden by Ryan Moore both on May 23 when landing a Premier Handicap on May 24 and again today, the four-year-old colt son of Blue Point led his seven rivals throughout the mile trip and stated on strongly to hold runner-up Alakazi by 2.25 lengths. Newmarket-based Ascot Gold Cup-winner Dunlop had previously won two renewals of the Irish Oaks with Ouija Board (2004) and Snow Fairy (2010) and today travelling head lad Robin Trevor Jones reported “we ran Skukuza in the Britannia Stakes last year where he ran a great race but it really jarred him up so 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 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, 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!” Jockey Moore added “he obviously had his issues as a three-year-old but they’re brought him back, he’s won a big handicap here and was now up in grade in a Listed race today. They have all done a great job with him. “He had never been in front before so I’d have preferred if we followed something but that will do him good and he gets a mile well and has got some talent.” Skukuza is a South African town and is the administrative headquarters of the Kruger National Park. Quotes from Alan Magee
