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| Staff Writer |
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Aussie trainer Henry Dwyer is calling time on Asfoora's British adventure following her gutsy fourth-place finish in Friday's Gr.1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York. The southern hemisphere star made her mark on the UK sprint scene this summer, bagging Royal Ascot glory in the King Charles III Stakes before narrowly missing out in a Goodwood thriller.
Asfoora's York swansong saw her finish a respectable fourth behind Archie Watson's blitzing Bradsell, but Dwyer feels his stable star is unable to replicate her best after a busy campaign. The Ballarat-based handler has decided against extending the mare's stay, with the six-year-old set to embark on her journey home in the coming weeks.
The Nunthorpe Stakes has a rich history of producing top-class sprinters. Notable recent winners include Battaash (2019, 2020), who also claimed multiple King's Stand Stakes, and Blue Point (2018), who achieved the rare King's Stand-Diamond Jubilee double at Royal Ascot in 2019.
"We just thought she probably raced a length or two below her best and whether that was track condition related or something else I'm not sure," Dwyer explained. "I know she had a very busy preparation and I just don't see the upside in continuing with it. I'm happy to look after her in the knowledge she is going to race on next year, so there is no point bottoming her out now."
The trainer is keeping his options open regarding a potential return to European shores next summer, depending on how the landscape looks for the speedy mare. "She could come back potentially, but we will just take it year by year," Dwyer continued. "We could have stirred up the hornet's nest and there might be another six Aussies coming over next year who might be too good for us."
Dwyer is acutely aware of the financial implications of such a venture, stating: "We thought there was a chance this year based on what was around and we are just going to have to work it out again and see if we are going to be competitive or not, because it's a long way to come and a lot of money to spend if you can't win a race. Luckily she has this time, but there will be no guarantees next year."
Back on home soil, Asfoora may need to stretch her sprinting prowess to remain competitive. "There's a few options for her in Australia and we would probably have to stretch her out to 1200 metres again, but that might have to be a necessary evil if we don't think coming back to Britain is the right move," Dwyer mused.
Reflecting on their British sojourn, Dwyer and his team are heading home with heads held high after a summer to savour. Based at Amy Murphy's Southgate Stables in Newmarket, the Aussie contingent have been warmly embraced by the racing community.
Dwyer added: "There's been no doubt about it that we've had a fantastic time. It's been absolutely magnificent. The people I've met, the friends I've made, and the great educational and learning experience both I've had and Chenelle (Ellis, groom/work rider) has had looking after the horse has been really great."
As Asfoora prepares for her long journey home, she leaves behind a lasting impression on the British sprint scene, potentially paving the way for more Antipodean raiders to test their mettle on these shores in seasons to come.