Winning return for globetrotting Asfoora

Star sprinter Asfoora made a stunning return to Australian racing on Saturday, April 12, storming home to win the Group 3 R N Irwin Stakes at Morphettville in what trainer Henry Dwyer described as a “perfect homecoming.”

After a successful European campaign, which included a Group 1 victory at Royal Ascot, the five-year-old mare reminded everyone of her class by edging out Sghirripa in a tight finish, with Climbing Star close behind in third. The race was run over 1100 meters, and Asfoora clocked a slick 1:03.97 despite the long layoff.

“It’s a massive relief,” Dwyer said post-race. “You never really know how they’ll come back after a big overseas trip, especially a mare. But she’s just a freak athlete.”

Jockey Mitch Aitken, who guided Asfoora to victory from barrier three, was full of praise for the mare’s professionalism and acceleration.

“She was relaxed early and just did everything right,” Aitken said. “I always felt I had them covered, and when I asked her, she gave me that extra gear.”

Despite some pre-race doubts surrounding her fitness, Asfoora proved once again why she’s one of the country’s most exciting sprinters. Dwyer admitted the team was nervous heading in.

“It’s been over a year since she raced in Australia, and even though she’d done well in Europe, there’s always that little bit of uncertainty. But she’s handled it all like a pro.”

The win sets Asfoora up for a crack at the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes over 1200m next month — a race that Dwyer has long targeted as the key goal for this preparation.

“The Sangster has always been on the radar. It’s a Group 1 at home, and it would mean the world to win it,” he said. “Then, who knows, maybe we’ll be back at Royal Ascot.”

The victory was greeted with loud cheers from the Morphettville crowd, many of whom had followed Asfoora’s journey from local roots to international acclaim and back.

“It’s just great to have her back on home soil and performing like that,” Dwyer added with a smile. “This mare is something special.”