O’Brien not without hope

THE flat season draws to a close at Dundalk tonight, with most attention certain to focus on the final outcome of the apprentice title.

Joseph O’Brien faces an uphill struggle, two behind the joint leaders, Ben Curtis and Gary Carroll, but has a strong book of rides and is not without hope.

He is fancied to land at least a double aboard a pair trained by his father, Aidan, Empowering and Regent Street.