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Asfoora, the Australian sprinting star, made a remarkable journey across the globe and emerged triumphant in the King Charles III Stakes. Previously finishing fourth on her British debut at the Temple Stakes in Haydock, Asfoora thrived on the faster ground at Royal Ascot to become the sixth Australian winner of this prestigious race by a length.
Despite the early lead taken by market leader Big Evs, Asfoora's late surge with jockey Oisin Murphy proved unstoppable. Powered by her pedigree, being the daughter of Australian star Flying Artie, Asfoora made a decisive move in the closing stages and crossed the finish line .
Ed Bethell’s Regional secured second place ahead of the Mick Appleby-trained favorite Big Evs.
This victory adds Asfoora to the esteemed roll of honor of Australian winners, including Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007), Scenic Blast (2009), and Nature Strip (2022), in what was previously known as the King’s Stand Stakes.
A jubilant Henry Dwyer (trainer) said: “We needed a lead-up run at Haydock, so she came over early, but just with the changing of seasons, we wanted to be here before it was too cold in Australia and too warm over here. We came over in the nice interchange period, and we need not have worried because she settled in brilliantly, and the proof was in the pudding today.
“That was my third Group One winner. To do it here, at Royal Ascot, is just amazing.
“It’s such a gamble bringing her over and it is such an expensive trip. We’re getting a bit of help from Ascot, but it is still expensive and the owner is funding it. Hopefully we’ve paid our way today.
“It is sublime and some great names from Australia who have won here have trained over 150 Group One winners and that’s only my third. To do it in Europe, and at Royal Ascot, is brilliant.
“I’ve never been here with a runner before but it’s a bit more fun winning than watching. This meeting brings the best of the best from around the world together and who would have thought I would get to meet King Charles – it’s amazing.”
Big Evs is expected to make a return to the Breeders' Cup after his connections felt that he was too quick for the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Blue Point colt, a surprise winner of the Windsor Castle Stakes 12 months ago, went on to claim Breeders' Cup glory in the Juvenile Sprint and recently had a triumphant start to his 3YO campaign at the Westow Stakes at York.
Trainer Mick Appleby expressed satisfaction with the performance and is now considering racing his star sprinter on more speed-favouring tracks, such as Del Mar.
Jockey Tom Marquand remarked that Big Evs might be too quick for a stiff track like Ascot, and Ed Bethell, the trainer of Regional, suggested that his horse might step back up in trip for the July Cup at Newmarket.
1st Asfoora - Owner: Noor Elaine Farm Pty Ltd - Trainer: Henry Dwyer
2nd Regional - Owner: Future Champions Racing Regional- Trainer: E Bethell
3rd Big Evs- Owner: Rp Racing Ltd- Trainer: M Appleby