The chance to have sprinting sensation Asfoora race at Royal Ascot is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Australian trainer Henry Dwyer. The five-year-old mare has achieved success in Group Two and Three races in Australia but is still chasing a victory at the highest level. After a creditable fourth-place finish in the Temple Stakes at Haydock, Asfoora has a busy summer ahead with races at Goodwood, York, and the Curragh.
However, it is the King Charles III Stakes on the opening day of the Royal meeting that has captured Dwyer’s attention. He hopes Asfoora can become the eighth Australian-trained winner at the prestigious event. Dwyer explained that the decision to travel to the UK was motivated by the lack of opportunities for Asfoora to win a Group One race in Australia.
With the support of 40 friends, owners, and family members, Dwyer is excited about the experience at Royal Ascot. Three-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been booked to ride Asfoora, with trainer Mitchell Aitken providing valuable feedback ahead of the race. Dwyer believes that the competition in the sprinting division at Ascot is evenly matched, and Asfoora has room for improvement.
As a fan of Royal Ascot, Dwyer is looking forward to experiencing the event as a participant rather than a spectator. He appreciates the tradition, pageantry, and global significance of the races at Ascot and is thrilled to have the opportunity to compete on such a prestigious stage.