Dwyer Ends Asfoora’s British Campaign After Impressive Summer

Henry Dwyer has drawn the curtain on Asfoora’s British adventure following a string of valiant performances, culminating in a commendable fourth-place finish in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York. The Australian speedster made headlines earlier this summer when she triumphed in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, adding her name to the list of southern hemisphere sprinters to conquer on British turf.

After a thrilling second-place effort in a tight duel with Big Evs at Goodwood, hopes were high as Asfoora lined up in the Nunthorpe. However, despite a game effort, she couldn’t quite match her best form as Archie Watson’s Bradsell stormed to victory on the Knavesmire. Feeling that Asfoora was beginning to show the effects of a busy campaign, Dwyer has opted to bring her European stint to a close and send her home to Australia.

“We just thought she probably raced a length or two below her best, and whether that was down to track conditions or something else, we’re not sure,” Dwyer explained. “She’s had a very busy preparation, and I don’t see any benefit in pushing her further. We’re happy to look after her, knowing she’ll race again next year. There’s no point in overextending her now.”

Asfoora will soon enter quarantine before heading back to Australia, where Dwyer and his team will assess their options for the six-year-old sprinter. Despite the possibility of returning to Europe next summer, Dwyer is cautious about repeating the campaign, especially with the potential for more Australian raiders to target the British sprint scene.

“She could come back, but we’ll take it year by year,” said Dwyer. “We might have stirred up the hornet’s nest, and there could be several more Aussies coming over next year who could be too good. This year, we saw an opportunity, but we’ll have to evaluate whether it’s worth the trip again. It’s a long way to come and a significant investment if you’re not winning races. Fortunately, she did this time, but there are no guarantees for the future.”

Back home, Asfoora could be stretched out to 1200 meters in search of new targets, though Dwyer acknowledges that revisiting Britain remains an option if the right conditions present themselves.

Reflecting on the summer, Dwyer expressed pride in how the Asfoora team was received during their stay at Amy Murphy’s Southgate Stables in Newmarket. “It’s been a fantastic experience. The people we’ve met, the friends we’ve made, and the knowledge both I and Chenelle Ellis, who looked after the horse, have gained have been invaluable.”

As the curtain falls on Asfoora’s British campaign, she leaves with her reputation enhanced, having enjoyed a memorable European adventure that showcased her talent on the world stage.