Captain Cullen bounces back to form 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’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
