Curtis back level after Dundalk double

Ben Curtis levelled things up at the top of the apprentice table when securing a double aboard Home Secretary in the concluding 1m2f handicap at Dundalk.

The Garvan Donnelly-trained gelding travelled well into contention down the straight before hitting the front under a furlong from home.

He was joined by the Gary Carroll-ridden Dark Prospect inside the final furlong, but was just always doing enough to prevail, going on for a length victory.

Curtis and Carroll now sit atop the table with 39 winners each while Joseph O'Brien has ground to make up on 35.

Curtis had also struck earlier in the fillies maiden on Valbonne while Carroll had taken the previous contest on Sampers

"He did it well. This has been the plan really nearly all season. 1m4f stretches his stamina and I thought this was the ideal race," said Donnelly of Home Secretary afterwards.

"He was a couple of pounds wrong but I thought he might sneak into it. I don't think there is anything left for him and he'll probably go back over hurdles now.

"He's had a tough enough season but has been consistent and it's great to get it right."