Australian sprinting sensation Asfoora justified the arduous journey across the globe by storming to victory in the King Charles III Stakes.
Trained by Henry Dwyer, Asfoora had previously finished fourth in her British debut at Haydock's Temple Stakes last month. However, she thrived on the faster ground at Royal Ascot, becoming the sixth Australian horse to claim this prestigious race, crossing the line a length ahead of her rivals.
Market leader Big Evs, ridden by Tom Marquand, initially led the five-furlong race, but Asfoora, under Oisin Murphy, made a decisive move in the closing stages. Accelerating impressively, she surged past Big Evs and secured victory at odds of 5-1. Regional, trained by Ed Bethell and ridden by Callum Rodriguez, finished second, with Mick Appleby's favourite, Big Evs at 11-4, settling for third.
Joining the esteemed ranks of Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007), Scenic Blast (2009), and Nature Strip (2022), Asfoora's triumph in what was formerly known as the King’s Stand Stakes marked a momentous achievement for Australian racing.
An elated Henry Dwyer exclaimed, “We have so many people here – not just Asfoora’s owners, but also 40 or 50 of my owners from back home who would do anything to have a runner at Royal Ascot. It’s incredible. I think there will be a huge celebration tonight!"
“We needed a prep run at Haydock, so we brought her over early. She settled in brilliantly, and today’s win proves it was the right decision," Dwyer added. “This is my third Group One win. Winning at Royal Ascot is just extraordinary."
Reflecting on the challenges of bringing Asfoora to Europe, Dwyer continued, “It’s a big gamble and an expensive trip. Ascot has been helpful, but the owner has funded it mostly. Today, we’ve made it worthwhile.”
Oisin Murphy praised Asfoora’s determination, saying, “She showed great guts to chase down the leaders. It’s a special victory, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it." “To win here at Royal Ascot, to be presented with the trophy by the King, it’s an honour I won’t forget," Murphy added. "Henry did an excellent job preparing her for this race, especially given the timing and conditions she faced coming from Australia."
In conclusion, Murphy said, “It’s been a privilege to ride her and to bring this win home for everyone involved."