Skontonovski pops up in Killarney

Skontonovski finished off best of all on the testing ground at Killarney to take the first division of the Muckross Handicap.

The five-year-old gelding was ridden for his effort racing to the final furlong and a half of this extended mile contest, and came with his challenge at the furlong marker.

He began to get the better of Yokkell on his inner and won going away by a length and three quarters close home at 8/1.

Yokkell, 7/2 joint favourite, could find no more in second but finished a length clear of Darkened (8/1).

Jockey Ronan Whelan said: "I was chatting with Ado (McGuinness, trainer) this morning and we weren't sure whether he'd handle the ground or not. We knew he enjoyed an ease so thought it was worth a go as he was in a good frame of mind and he handled it.

"I got a lovely position and he's a horse you can't get there too soon on and I'd love to have had another go at a race in Cork (in September) when I got there too easy and would have preferred to have challenged later.

"He is so consistent and Ado and the team have done a great job with him. He always comes good, especially at this time of year and he is sweeter going a mile these days."

This was Skontonovski's sixth career success from 42 outings. He last scored on the Polytrack at Dundalk in March.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes