Captain Cullen, left, beats Knights Templar at Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
When Knights Templar made his forward move over a furlong out in the mile apprentice handicap it looked for all money that he was home and hosed, but he reckoned without Captain Cullen #8217;s late thrust.
Captain Cullen and Colin Keane were only winding up their run as Knights Templar moved clear. Keane got a great response out of the four-year-old gelding and he thundered down the outside of Knights Templar to get on top and win by half a length at 16/1.
Winning trainer Gerry Keane said: “He was sick all last year. We couldn’t get him right and it was a nightmare. He ran a lovely race at Down Royal first-time up, but I don’t know what happened him in the Curragh.
“He was mad all day. He was sweating up and ran three races before the start [at the Curragh]. Then he stood in the stalls.
“Everything fell into place today. He’s a real good horse if we get him back. There could be a big handicap in him if things go right.
“Chris Hayes said last year that he could be one for a big handicap at Galway, but then he got sick again.
“We’re training him out of the paddock and hopefully that’s the secret.”
Runner-up Knights Templar was returned at 7/1 while At Boolavogue occupied third at 16/1. Gold Falcon ran a notable race in fourth at 33/1. He was drawn widest of all and was last turning in and had to run wide. The four-year-old stayed on well for fourth under Ian Brennan.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
