Smullen survives stewards on Sapphire

Champion jockey Pat Smullen got off the mark for the season when Sapphire took the concluding maiden on the opening day of the Flat season at the Curragh.

Dermot Weld 's charge had to survive a stewards enquiry after a bumping session with eventual third Quest For Peace

The pair collided over a furlong from home and again as Sapphire came across her rival when hitting the front inside the final furlong.

The result was never in doubt, however, as the Moyglare filly powered clear late on to beat 15/8f Claiomh Solias by three-lengths.

"She's a fit filly and did it well. She's tough and stays and we'll try and get some blacktype with her now," said Weld.

"I'll look at one of the Guineas trials and we may put a visor on her to make her concentrate a bit more."

Weld also expressed his disappointment with the run of Lincolnshire favourite Photo Opportunity who could only manage 10th, saying that the ground could be to blame.