Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Horse Racing

Martin Dwyer relishing the challenge as Pyledriver chases St Leger glory at Doncaster

, Martin Dwyer relishing the challenge as Pyledriver chases St Leger glory at Doncaster

THERE’S plenty of life in the old dog yet.

Veteran jock Martin Dwyer thought he was headed for the scrap heap a few years ago.

Martin Dwyer is seeking a third Classic win

But he has rediscovered his bite and this afternoon rides the favourite in the Pertemps St Leger at Doncaster.

Pyledriver, trained by Dwyer’s father-in-law William Muir, has been a fairytale horse this season.

He won impressively at Royal Ascot and bolted up in a big Leger trial at York last month, teeing up a tilt at the world’s oldest Classic.

Dwyer rode Sir Percy to win the Derby 14 years ago, and he admitted he thought his days of riding big-race winners were over.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Dwyer said: “It goes without saying it would be fantastic to win the Leger, it is so hard to get rides in Classics let alone ride the favourite.

“To be going there on the horse they’ve all got to beat is great. If I’m honest, the last four or five years I thought my days of riding horses as good as him were gone.

“Sir Percy was great for my career. He was a different kettle of fish because he was a precocious two-year-old.

“This lad has been more of a slow burner, as he has got older his progress has been unbelievable. I think next year he could be even better.

“To get another bite of the cherry is fantastic and hopefully I can make it count.”

And Everton-mad Dwyer, 45, has enjoyed sticking it to his younger colleagues this summer.

Oisin Murphy, Tom Marquand and Cieren Fallon have been hogging the headlines, but Dwyer still reckons he can mix it with the best of them.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

He said: “There are some really talented young jockeys around at the moment, but it is good to put them in their place now and again.

“It’s the same in any walk of life when you get young lads coming through. As a jockey when you’re older, as long as you stay healthy, I think that bit of experience can make a big difference.

“I see some of the young lads get a bit stressed and make mistakes. When you’re young, you are eager to prove yourself and make decisions that you shouldn’t.

“When you’re my age you appreciate it and enjoy yourself a lot more. You go out there relaxed and you’re ready to capitalise on any opportunities you get.”

The night before Dwyer won the Derby, he had a fall at Bath and cracked several ribs.

While most jockeys have their superstitions, that’s one he isn’t keen to relive!

He joked: “I had a fall the night before I won the Derby at bath and I cracked a couple of ribs. So I’ve been playing on the safe side the last couple of weeks.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“I won’t be asking my wife to give me a dig in the ribs – mind you, she will probably do that anyway!”

As for Pyledriver, Dwyer has no doubts that the horse will stay the extended mile and three quarters of the St Leger.

He continued: “He wasn’t stopping over a mile and a half at York, he hit the line strong and was still full of running.

“I don’t think he will have a problem staying, but he also has gears, he’s got the speed for a mile and a quarter.

“As long as he relaxes, which he usually does, I don’t think the trip will be an issue.

“He looks great, the horse is fit and well and we haven’t had to do too much with him since then other than keep him in his routine.

“The key thing with him is he has improved all year. He surprised me how easily he won at Ascot, but even then he was like a teenager, and now he is becoming a man.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“He destroyed the field at York and he has just flourished this summer.

“It’s great for racing and a great story, especially this year where it’s been difficult times for everyone.”

SEE ALL FREE BETS HERE

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Bayern Munich Seeking New Manager Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is reportedly being considered for the Bayern Munich job as the German giants...

Premier League

Premier League Apologizes for Late Change Tottenham's upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest has been rescheduled with just ten days' notice, causing inconvenience for fans....

Premier League

Arsenal's Search for a New Striker Arsenal continues to hunt for a new striker as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his front line. Victor...

Premier League

Missed Opportunity at the Olympics Thierry Henry, the football legend, achieved numerous accolades in his career, including winning the World Cup and Euros with...

Premier League

Developing Talent Since joining Arsenal for a whopping £105 million last summer, Declan Rice has shown significant improvement both for his club and country....

Premier League

Former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has shared his thoughts on the three players he believes changed the Premier League forever, including a 'nightmare' striker....

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement