Local horse racing syndicate savour success in Galway

A Mount Temple horse racing syndicate had cause for celebration at the Galway Races last week when its five-year-old gelding triumphed in the Iggy Daly Easyfix Handicap Hurdle.

Owned by the ‘Mount Temple Three’, Jerrari staved off the challenge of 19 horses to cross the line in prime position and take pride of place in the winners’ enclosure.

Trained by Jessica Harrington, the horse was given a patient ride by Kilkenny jockey Donagh Meyler who steered the 10/1 shot into a prominent position as they approached the final hurdle and claimed victory by four lengths.

The biggest win in what has been a five race career to date, the success in Galway complemented the victory achieved by Jerrari at Roscommon in early July.

Agent for the Mount Temple Three Syndicate, Jimmy Keegan paid tribute to Jerrari’s success, describing the horse as a “progressive type”.

“We were pleasantly surprised with Jerrari’s success in Galway particularly as there was a hot favourite in the race from Willie Mullins’ yard.

Jerrari is a progressive horse. From his six starts to date he has been in the prize money on five separate occasions with wins in his last two outings,” Jimmy said.

The syndicate has nine members from Mount Temple and its hinterland dating back over 20 years. While the syndicate members have changed in the intervening time, the horse racing success which has come along makes it all “worthwhile”, according to Jimmy.

The Mount Temple Three have owned ten to twelve horses during their existence, Cane Brake being one of their most notable equines. Trained by Tom Taaffe, Cane Brake finished in fifth position in the 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup while also claiming two notable wins in 2006 at the Paddy Power Chase in Leopardstown and the Troytown Chase in Navan.

Hopes remain high for Jerrari’s future as Jimmy stated that he has “great ability to perform”, the syndicate considering their options for the gelding’s next race outing.

“Jerrari needs good ground to perform. Listowel races may be an option next month or we may return to the scene of his success in Galway in early September,” Jimmy concluded.

The current members of the Mount Temple Three syndicate are Jimmy Keegan, John Gillivan, Eamonn Mulready, Terry Mulready, Rose Gavin, Frank Roche, Darragh Lowry, Paddy Gavin and Pat Marsh.