ULTIMATE rags-to-riches superstar horse Pyledriver has been retired aged six due to injury.
The amazing Flat sensation went from a bargain £10,000 buy to beloved £2million Group 1 winner.
William Muir, who trained the horse in partnership with Chris Grassick, said he couldn't believe it when the vet told him the bad news.
The horse was reported to be sore on Friday and a vet's check yesterday confirmed the bad news.
Muir, who confirmed the horse had injured a 'suspensory ligament' in his leg, told the Racing Post: "He’s not lame and he cantered on Monday, but we had a meeting and all made the decision.
"This horse has been so good to us and I don’t want to put him through something that could go wrong."
Pyledriver was being aimed at this year's Arc after winning the Group 2 Hardwicke at Royal Ascot.
Prior to that he beat 2021 Arc champ Torquator Tasso in the Group 1 King George, his crowning achievement.
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An awesome performer at the top level, Pyledriver also has a Coronation Cup, Voltigeur Stakes and King Edward VII Stakes to his name.
He retires having won eight of his 20 career races, with more than £2m in prize money earned.
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Charlie Hills was one of the trainers to pay tribute to a real fan favourite.
He wrote on Twitter: "What an amazing job our neighbours the@Muir_Grassick team did with this lovely horse, not to be underestimated in any way.
"We’ll miss seeing him around, especially on his afternoon walks back from swimming."
While one punter praised a 'hero' and added: "What a story – happy retirement champ."
Another fan wrote: "What a horse and career."
And a fellow Twitter user said: "Enjoy your time to be well nurtured and relaxed after proving to be an absolute star on the track."
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