Templeman was born into a long standing farming family in the village of Everingham in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

By 1833 he was riding for the Duke of Leeds and his reputation among northern jockeys was said to "stand high".

The race was run in a snowstorm, Templeman making his move late and winning by a length at odds of 25/1.

Some later believed the horse to have been a four-year-old, which would have made him ineligible for the race, although the objection was not upheld by the stewards.

Other major races he won include three Oaks (completing Epsom doubles in 1847 and 1848), the 1851 St Leger on Newminster, and the first running of the Ebor Handicap in 1843 on Colonel Craddock's Pagan.

With his winnings, Templeman was able to build up a substantial portfolio of land and property, including Burnby House, near Pocklington, where he and his family lived.