Photo Finish For Irish Jockey’s Title

Long after the British apprentice jockey’s title was settled in favour of Martin Lane at the season ending finale at Doncaster in early November, their Irish counterparts continue to battle it out to the bitter end in one of the closes races for the title for many years, a race that with less than a week to go is still looking for a definitive winner, writes Elliot Slater.

A winner at Dundalk on Saturday placed Gary Carroll, (winner of the title 12 months ago), on a seasonal total of 38 winners, one winner ahead of his nearest pursuer Ben Curtis, who in turn is just three winners ahead of young Joseph O’Brien, son of Ballydoyle maestro, Aidan.

Carroll stepped back into the lead for the title when partnering Kalann to victory in the last race of the day at a freezing Dundalk, a vital advantage with the race for the title set to end on Friday. With three racing days scheduled before the end of the Irish season, (all at Dundalk), the title is still up for grabs with each of the three contenders set to receive significant support from those stables that have been behind them all the way since the start of the season in early spring.

Carroll landed the 2009 title with a total of 44 winners, a number he is unlikely to achieve this time. Doubtless, more than the number of winners, it is the retention of his title that is Carroll’s main concern, and with Mick Halford and Patrick J Flynn continuing to do their utmost to provide him with the best ammunition, racing tips for today seem to suggest that he has a favourite’s chance.

Neither Curtis nor O’Brien however has given up on bridging the gap in what promises to be a thrilling finish to the Irish apprentice championship.

Tags: apprentice, Ben Curtis, Gary Carroll, ireland, Irish, jockey, titleShare