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Frankie Dettori to ride Pyledriver in Dubai Sheema Classic

Frankie Dettori celebrates completing his Magnificent Seven at Ascot in September 1996

Who else for the Dubai Sheema Classic on Saturday, March 26 than Classic winning jockey Frankie Dettori? The irrepressible Italian got the ride on Pyledriver after Martin Dwyer was injured.

Who else would William Muir call upon when a vacancy came up for the ride on Pyledriver in the Dubai Sheema Classic but the irrepressible Italian, Frankie Dettori?

Regular jockey Martin Dwyer was injured riding out, which left a spare ride on the globe-trotting five-year-old, that Dettori was quick to fill.

Coronation Cup winning Pyledriver hasn't quite nailed the overseas exploits yet for Muir and co-trainer Chris Grassick, coming close in the Hong Kong Vase with a second at Sha Tin and then tanking in 11th in the Saudi Arabia Neom Cup.
An outside draw in Saudi didn't help proceedings but Pyledriver has a far better spot in stall one, this time around for Saturday's Sheema Classic and his trainers are confident
Talking to the PA news agency, Muir said: "We got drawn 14 in Saudi and had no chance. We can't be disappointed with this draw. He's a horse that's very versatile. He can jump and go forward, so I think if someone said to me 'you can be one or 15' I'd have taken one every day of the week.
"Frankie's taken over because Martin got injured. Martin rang Frankie and talked to him for us. Everything is sorted out and it's great. Frankie is the boy on the big stage and you can't get any bigger than this."
He added: "Pyledriver was really good today. He did two canters, he seems well, he looks great, he's eaten well today and yesterday since I've been over here, so I'm very happy."
A well deserved break is in order after Dubai with Pyledriver stacking up the air miles and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in July is his next likely destination..
"I may give him a break after this and come back for the King George," he added.
"The owners are keen to go back to Hong Kong and also have a go at the Arc."
This is one Pyledriver ready to level out the Sheema Classic field under Dettori.

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