Knights Templar stayed on strongly under Ross Coakley to land Division One of the seven-furlong handicap for Pat Flynn. Basilica blazed a trail until weakening with less than two furlongs to go. Dragon Khan who had raced in a clear second, picked up the lead and tried to put the race to bed as he was hard ridden by Fran Berry.

However, Knights Templar was seen unleashing his challenge down the middle of the track. As the leader hurtled past the furlong pole Knights Templar was getting into full stride in third.

He readily motored through and took up the lead with over 150 yards left. From there he strode away to win by two and three quarter lengths at 12/1.

Ross Coakley said: "That my first ride and first winner for Pat. I'm delighted for the opportunity and it worked out well.

"They went a good gallop. Pat had said to me to sit in, give him a chance and ride him to get home.

"It was nice good ground and he loved it. He travelled well and pricked his ears when he got there so I knew he had a bit in the tank. Pat had him in great condition today." Michael's Missile (10/1) kept on for second with Snap Click third at 12s.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson