The three-way battle for the apprentice title continues to take many twists and turns, the latest being a two day suspension for Joseph O'Brien after he was judged to have used his whip with excessive frequency aboard Mr Pianist in the 1m4f handicap.

The Eddie Harty-trained gelding was bringing up a double on the evening for O'Brien, who was also successful on well-backed favourite Memphis Tennessee in the opening juvenile maiden.

However O'Brien's two main rivals for the apprentice championship, Gary Carroll and Ben Curtis, also rode a winner apiece on the night to be tied on 37 wins – two ahead of the Ballydoyle teenager.

Mr Pianist was only confirmed the winner after a protracted stewards enquiry, with O'Brien instructed to ride with more care in future after his mount and Sparring Partner came close in the final 100 yards.

The two day suspension is a big blow to his title aspirations with just four more meetings left this year at Dundalk. O'Brien was only returning to action tonight after over a month on the sidelines due to three separate bans (nine racing days) for careless riding and his use of the whip.

Incidentally Carroll will miss next week's meeting at Dundalk through suspension.