Drama as Flat season kicks off

There was drama in the opening Flat race of the season, at the Curragh, as first-past-the-post Tough As Nails was thrown out after drifting across the track in the closing stages.

He had made all under Gary Carroll but carried Whip Rule right across the course inside the final furlong and the Stewards swapped the placings after just a head separated the pair at the line.

Jim Bolger 's colt would have been an unlucky loser after failing to get a clear run under Kevin Manning.

English raider Lost City was sent off 8/11 favourite but proved a major disappointment, trailing in last of the five runners.

Michael Mulvany, talking before his charge was disqualified, spoke highly of Tough As Nails:-

"He's the best horse I've ever had. We were expecting a big run as his work has been very good at home. We just weren't sure if he would go on the ground."