Summer Targets For Pyledriver Revealed

Thursday, May 4, 2023 | 11:31 am

Updated: May 4, 2023 at 11:32 am

File photo dated 23-07-2022 of Jockey Patrick Joseph "P.J." McDonald (right) celebrating on Pyledriver after winning the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes. Pyledriver has been handed a pair of Ascot objectives for when he makes his return to the track later this summer. Issue date: Thursday May 4, 2023. PA Photo. See PA Story RACING Pyledriver . Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire

Multiple Group 1 winner Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) will make his long-awaited return in the G2 Hardwicke S. at Royal Ascot in June, according to Chris Grassick, who trains with William Muir.

A winner of the 2021 G1 Coronation Cup and 2022 G1 King George and Queen Elizabeth S., the 6-year-old entire races for the La Pyle Partnership. Various setbacks have kept Pyledriver away from the races after his King George victory last July.

Grassick said, “He's cantering back and William has done the entry for the Hardwicke, so that's the plan. Touch wood, everything is looking lovely, he looks great and strong.

“I think from there we would be going to the King George and after that it would be just how he comes out of each race. He remains in good form and hopefully if he remains as good as last year, then we will have a big year again.

“He's slowly becoming a bit of a fan favourite. He's developing a bit of a following now because he comes back year in, year out, so hopefully he can keep going and get the results he deserves both for himself and the owners.”