MCDONALD PROVES THE IDEAL DRIVER
SCOTTISH Grand National winning rider PJ Mcdonald sprang a huge surprise when partnering 18-1 shot Pyledriver to victory in the King Georgeviand Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot.
Pyledriver proved too strong for German raider Torquator Tasso, the winner of last year’s Arc, with Mishriff taking third place.
Mcdonald (below), successful on Hotweld in the 2007 Scottish National, switched codes the following season and now has toasted victory in Britain’s third richest Flat race.
Well-versed with knocks in the game, Mcdonald received the call-up as regular rider Martin Dwyer is sidelined with torn knee ligaments.
“I feel so sorry for Martin,” said Mcdonald.
“These horses are so hard to come by and I know what he’ll be going through right now.”
Victory was not a surprise for winning trainer
William
Muir, who shares the licence with
Chris
Grassick at his
Lambourn stables. He said: “I honestly believed I’d win two weeks ago.
“I’d seen him do a piece of work – like last year. “Everyone will say, ‘what great training from Willie
Muir and Chris Grassick,’ but let’s not take too much away – Jeta (Ram, work rider) does most of it as he rides every single day.
“I’ve said I never wanted to cry but I want to cry today.”
Much has been said in recent weeks as to who would be inwestover’s saddle after Rob Hornby lost the mount to Colin Keane when successful in the Irish Derby.
Yesterday, connections would have been better
advised by keeping Hornby on 13-8 favourite as Keane struggled with the brakes when vying with Broome for the lead, finishing fifth.
The recent scenario of musical saddles also backfired for Frankie Dettori when he finished last of the six runners on Emily Upjohn. Had John Gosden, the filly’s trainer, not invited Dettori back into the fold after effectively sacking him, the Italian would have been on Pyledriver’s back.