Pyledriver (left) | Emma Berry
Pyledriver has been dropped from the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after connections revealed that winner King George had suffered ‘a minor injury’.
Coached by William Muir and Chris Grassick, Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) proved too good for last season’s hero Torquator Tasso (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in King George, and while His injury was not reported as a serious event, it was enough for the scupper to plan a run at ParisLongchamp.
“He had a bit of a setback and we gutted,” Muir said on Thursday. “I can’t gallop tomorrow or next week, we can continue but I can’t gallop his gallop, otherwise he might have to take a longer break.
“It was very small and it was a coin toss, but we had to make a decision. If I can’t have him at 100% like he is for King George, there’s no point in going into a race like Arc.
“We’re distraught, like we want to be there, but that’s life and we have to get on with it, we have to get it right with him.”
Muir added, “It was very small and my vet said this time next week he could be 100%. The plan now will be to see if we can go to the Breeders’ Cup or the Japan Cup, whichever, and then Hong Kong and the Sheema Classic.
“You don’t make as many good horses as this but he didn’t miss much (race). It’s not his last problem as he’s in pain, it’s minor and as long as it’s on the right track, we’re in business – just not in time for the Arc. “
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This story was posted in Europe, News shared in Europe, Europe’s Top News and tagged Arc de Triomphe, Pyledriver.
