Carroll and Curtis draw clear of O'Brien in title race

Gary Carroll (centre) and Ben Curtis (right) had winners at Dundalk

  PICTURE: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)  Carroll and Curtis clear of O'Brien in title race
 By Tony O'Hehir and James Burn 5:29PM 5 DEC 2010 THE race for the Irish apprentice title took a twist at Dundalk on Sunday when defending champion Gary Carroll and Ben Curtis drew four winners clear of Joseph O'Brien.

William Hill cannot split them as they go even-money the pair, while O'Brien is an 8-1 shot.

RELATED LINKS Dundalk results  Carroll started the day a winner ahead of Curtis, and three in front of O'Brien, and despite partnering Sampers to success in the second could race - his 39th win of the season - he was pegged back by Curtis, who landed a double thanks to victories on Valbonne and Home Secretary.

Sampers is trained by Michael Halford, who said of Carroll:  "He works very hard and is a hell of a good rider.

"It would be great if he can win the title again as riding through the season with only a 3lb claim has made things that much tougher for him."

O'Brien, whose championship challenge has been disrupted by suspensions, was out of luck with his six rides on Sunday.

Dundalk also stages the final two meetings of the season on Wednesday and Friday.

Irish apprentice title 2010

William Hill: Evens Gary Carroll, Ben Curtis, 8 Joseph O'Brien (win only, dead-heat rules apply)

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