Pyledriver to drop in distance for clash with superstar Paddington at York

08 August 2023 , 19:30

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Pyledriver to drop in distance for clash with superstar Paddington at York

Pyledriver has emerged as a surprise Juddmonte International challenger for horse of the Flat season Paddington.

William Muir and Chris Grassick are prepping their stable star for a rare drop to ten furlongs at York on August 23.

Pyledriver, the winner of over £2 million in prize money, has only raced over the distance once at Group One level. But the training duo's desire to keep the six-year-old on home turf has set up the clash with Paddington, rampant in racing's top tier this summer.

"We are tempted by a trip to York for the Juddmonte International, as we don't want to go abroad before the Arc," said Lambourn-based Muir, whose back-up plan is Kempton's September Stakes.

Defending his King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes title last month, Pyleldriver had a sight of the lead and went on to finish fifth behind Hukum. He booked his place in the all-star Ascot line-up by overcoming Muir's fitness fears in the Hardwicke at the Berkshire course's flagship royal fixture.

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The team are hoping for a clear run after injury robbed Pyledriver of his outing in last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, won by fellow British-trained fancy Alpinista.

"It was a great race and we were right there turning in," added Muir, recapping on the King George effort. "He gave everything to win the Hardwicke when he wasn't fit and that race could have taken a bit more out of him than we thought."

Melissa Jones