Chosen Templar credited Jimmy O'Rourke with a first winner under rules in bumper. © Photo Healy Racing
Chosen Templar credited jockey Jimmy O'Rourke with a first winner under rules when staying on strongly to win the concluding Listowel Vintners Association INH Flat Race at the North Kerry track.
Pulled up on all three point-to-point starts, the Well Chosen gelding had shown a hint of promise when mid division in two bumpers this year.
Sent straight to the front from flag fall, Chosen Templar was able to dictate the pace but looked in trouble when O'Rourke started to push along over half-a-mile out. Noble Talent emerged as the chief danger early in the straight as it became clear that 8-11f Traditude Tara wouldn't be getting involved.
However, Chosen Templar continued to find plenty for pressure, responding to his jockeys urging to stay on strongly for a four-and-a-half length success in the colours of owner/trainer Patrick O'Rourke.
Jimmy O’Rourke said: “I’ve had plenty of success in point-to-points and it’s nice to get one for the boss at home on a nice young horse.
“I’ve ridden winners between the flags for the likes of Donnchadh Doyle, Colin Bowe and Denis Murphy but it was nice to get that monkey off my back.
“He’s a lovely horse who has just had a few issues but his work has always been good. It’s taken a long time for him to get it together and today was the first day he showed it.
“We thought he’d be a Saturday horse, he worked like that, and it’s nice that he’s put his head down and put it together finally.
“He stays great, has buckets of speed and jumps great. He’s by Well Chosen and they all tend to stay well.
“I had a good walk of the track after the last hurdle race and to me there was no difference. The ground was a bit more cut up on the inside but there is a little strip and I said I’d chance it.
“He’s not a natural front-runner and could do with a lead. The rail helped him to keep focused and I’m delighted with him.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
