Pyledriver outbattled Al Aasy to land a first Group One in the Coral Coronation Cup at Epsom.

Trained by William Muir and Chris Grassick, Pyledriver benefited from a canny ride by Martin Dwyer, who stepped on the gas midway through the race when the pacesetting Highland Chief started to slow the gallop.

Pyledriver was in control at the top of the straight – but favourite Al Aasy was travelling ominously well at the back of the pack and made steady progress up the middle of the track.

He edged in front of Pyledriver inside the final furlong, only for Dwyer's mount to respond to his every urging and just poke his head back in front on the line, prevailing by a neck at 8-1.

Dwyer said: "It's great for everyone – it’s great for the whole team, great for connections.

"He’s redeemed himself from last year (when unplaced in the Derby). It wasn’t his fault – the race went wrong. But what a way to do it – I’m proud of the horse.

"On a personal level, I’ve got to say there’s times when I’ve hated racing, hated it, had bad days and driven home in a bad mood.

"But days like this, I can’t describe in words what I’m feeling inside – it’s just euphoria.

"This is a wonderful sport – anyone can achieve things, great things. I’m nearly crying – what’s wrong with me?

"It’s been a long time between drinks for me personally, and it’s hard to get horses as good as this and hard to stay on them."