2012 Temple Stakes

racing_news/

Kingsgate Native Regains Temple Stakes Crown
25/05/13

1 Kingsgate Native 14/1
2 Swiss Spirit 9/1
3 Reckless Abandon 3/1
NR: Ballesteros, Free Zone
10 ran Distances: nk, hd, 1½l
TIME 59.25s (slow by 0.75s)

Kingsgate Native made a spectacular return to form as he regained the Betfred Temple Stakes at Haydock.

Kingsgate Native
© racing-images.co.uk

On a long losing run since this very event three years ago, the Robert Cowell-trained runner was on the stands side along with the 11-10 favourite Sole Power, while last year's Middle Park Stakes hero and eventual third Reckless Abandon was in the far group.

While Sole Power began to weaken, Shane Kelly was galvanising Kingsgate Native and he passed Reckless Abandon just before the post, finishing a neck in front. Swiss Spirit, who was bumped at the start, ran a mighty race from the rear to snatch second.

Kelly said: "When I let him go, he really quickened up, but I don't think the horse realised he was in front until right on the line.

"It's great. William Buick (Swiss Spirit) beat me on the line at Newbury last year when I should have won."

Swiss Spirit's rider William Buick said: "He got bumped at the start. It cost him the race."

Clive Cox, trainer of the previously unbeaten Reckless Abandon, said: "Delighted. That will put him on his game completely. He had a Group One penalty and that probably just made the difference. We are over the moon with him."

Betfred Temple Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 2)
£90,000 added, 3yo plus, 5f, Class 1
10 ran
Going: Firm