Rules Handed Derby Mission

Aussie Rules is set to tackle the French Derby after taking the Gainsborough Poule d'Essai des Poulains on a dramatic day at Longchamp.

Kieren Fallon gave the Aidan O'Brien-trained runner a brilliant ride to swoop late and bag a second Classic in eight days for the Ballydoyle team.

Aussie Rules looked tight for room on the rails but once a gap appeared, he responded gamely to grab the favourite Stormy River in the final 100 yards.

Marcus Andronicus, also trained by O'Brien, kept on well to be second, just ahead of favourite Stormy River

Fallon said: 'Michael (Tabor, part-owner) told me to stick to the rails and I followed instructions.

'He settles really well and he's a fantastic ride.'

O'Brien added: 'The next target for him is the French Derby. He's really come on for his first run and he's come forward lovely.

'Kieren gave him a great ride. It was a perfect race.'

O'Brien also confirmed that 2000 Guineas winner George Washington will now go for the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on May 27.

A strike by Pari-Mutuel workers had caused chaos at Longchamp before the meeting even got underway as around 150 racegoers blocked the walkway between the paddock and the track to demonstrate against the lack of betting facilities.

However, after negotiations between the protesters and officials, a compromise was eventually reached and racing went ahead after a delay of two hours and 15 minutes.

There was more drama later in the day though, as Price Tag was first past the post in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, only to be demoted to third after being found guilty of interference.

Pascal Bary's charge came with a terrific late run in the final furlong, but Thierry Thulliez's mount was judged to have impeded third-placed Impressionnante.

The stewards quickly called an inquiry and the Francois Rohaut-trained Tie Black was promoted to first.

Rohaut said: 'I'm delighted. Things didn't start well today with the strike, but in the end everything has worked out.

'She's had a busy spring so we will give her a rest now.'

Price Tag is set to run at Royal Ascot as Bary seeks compensation for her disqualification.

He said: 'Regardless of the result, she will be aimed at the Coronation Stakes.'

British raider The Tatling had to settle for fourth behind Latona in the Group Three Prix de Saint-Georges.

Latona, ridden by Thierry Gillet, showed plenty of dash in beating long-time leader Matrix with Biniou third and The Tatling, trained by Milton Bradley, a close fourth.

Winning trainer Jonathan Pease said: 'She's very fast. She will now go for the Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly.

'If she can be led to the start she will go for the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, but if she can't be, she will stay here.'

The Trader, trained by Michael Blanshard, was withdrawn.

(C) PA Sport