French rider swaps Singapore for Sunshine State

By Jordan Gerrans

Internationally-renowned hoop Ryan Curatolo initially moved to the Sunshine State for a three-month period but is now open to staying for the remainder of 2025 following a positive start to his Queensland stint.

The 32-year-old landed his first blow in his Australian sojourn earlier this month when he scored at Gatton aboard Dibba Dobba for trainer James Moore.

Curatolo – who hails from France – has ridden across the globe, gaining experience in the United States, Macau, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Qatar, among other locations. 

He has competed at the highest level in multiple racing jurisdictions, claiming the 2018 Qatar Derby among other Group-level events.

He was most recently based in Singapore but after the racing industry shut down in the area late last year, the well-travelled jockey eventually landed on Brisbane as his next location.

Curatolo has been busy in recent days, riding in Doomben jump-outs on Tuesday morning before taking engagements at Gatton later in the day.

He has three bookings at Ipswich on Wednesday ahead of one ride at Caloundra on Friday evening.

“I really love it here,” Curatolo said.

“The racing is good, so far so good. We are just trying to get some business going, that is the main thing.

“It has gone even better than what I thought it would. It is a good jockey colony here, they are sharp, tactical and strong.

“It is good to ride with good riders as they know what they are doing around them.”

It was former Queensland Racing Integrity Commission chief steward Peter Chadwick who pushed Curatolo in the direction of South East Queensland.

“I was riding everything for Tim Fitzsimmons in Singapore, they kept telling me I should try Australia as my weight is good,” Curatolo said.

“They said the racing style would be suitable for me, as well.

“I ride patient and they thought it would suit me. They thought I ride Australian style so I thought it was a good idea.

“I received a call from Peter Chadwick who recommended me to go and we spoke and I wanted to give it a try.”

Both based in Singapore in recent times, Chadwick suggested that the Frenchman should link up with Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Chris Munce who has since turned his hand to training in a partnership with his son Corey.

The majority of Curatolo’s Australian rides have been for the Munces so far.

“Chris was a champion jockey and a great person, as well,” Curatolo said.

“He was a tough rider so it is good to be around people who know what they are doing.

“He is sharp so definitely, if I can pick up a few things – I will take it.

“You never know where you are going to end up in life as the world is small. You never know who you are going to meet.

“I think without those connections, with people like Peter, it would be pretty impossible for me to end up here.”

The Munce team have certainly enjoyed an international flavour in recent months.

As well as Curatolo’s addition to their riding ranks, Irish hoop Siobhan Rutledge has also recently arrived at Eagle Farm for an Australian stint.

Rutledge has quickly racked up two winners for the Munce barn.

Curatolo initially planned to remain in Brisbane for three months but now says that if everything develops in a positive direction, he may ride out the rest of the year in the state.

The experienced hoop got on the board in Queensland at Gatton earlier this month when Dibba Dobba broke maiden ranks after a run of placings.

The daughter of Spill The Beans had been knocking on the door for Sunshine Coast conditioner Moore and Curatolo was pleased to break through.

“It was a very easy ride, I broke good and put myself in a good forward position,” the top rider said.

“I sat just outside the leader and as things developed, we moved forward.

“In the last 400 metres, I improved and the horse opened up nicely. It was too late for the others to catch me – it was a perfect trip.”

James Moore is the son of champion trainer Gary Moore, who Curatolo had a long association with in Asia.

Capable of riding light, Curatolo says he is keen to break into the city riding ranks in the coming weeks and take more metropolitan opportunities.