Horse Racing: Pyledriver takes shock win in King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Pyledriver upset the odds with a surprise victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

The 18-1 outsider pulled away to finish clear of last year's Qatar Prix l'Arc de Triomphe winner Torquator Tasso.

Mishriff, priced at 5-2, was third after a slow start, while favourite Westover was fifth of the six runners.

Pyledriver's joint-trainer William Muir said: "I thought for the last two weeks we'd win it."

It was also the first time jockey PJ McDonald was seated on Pyledriver in three years after an injury to regular rider Martin Dwyer.

Drama at the start cost the John and Thady Gosden-trained Mishriff as last year's runner-up was standing in the stalls when they opened and could not peg back the leaders.

German raider Torquator Tasso, a 16-1 shot, made a late push, but couldn't catch the unfancied Pyledriver, who won at Group One level in last year's Coronation Cup before finishing second when defending that crown at Epsom last month.

Irish Derby winner Westover disappointed along with Oaks runner-up and 3-1 hope Emily Upjohn, who was last in the select field.

Muir, who trains Pyledriver with Chris Grassick, never lost faith in his horse, even against such fierce competition.

"He was just showing everything at home - all the signs," added Muir.

"I didn't care what horse was in it. I know they say Westover was fantastic in the Irish Derby, I know they say Emily Upjohn was terrific, but we know this horse is a very, very good horse.

"Today, we smashed them to pieces. They are a great crop, the three-year-olds but he is just a very, very talented horse.

"I've never lost faith in him. In our second or third year, we had a horse who came here and won a five-furlong race and we were partying in the car park for ages. This is a big, big moment. It means the world to me."