Australian sprint star Asfoora has again flown the flag abroad, this time storming to victory in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes in England to cement her place among the nation’s great international performers.
Trained by Henry Dwyer, the mare produced a dominant display under regular UK rider Oisin Murphy, surging to the lead with 200m to run before pulling clear to win by a length and a quarter. The triumph sees her join Ortensia on the honour roll of Nunthorpe Stakes winners.
ASFOORA! 🚀
Group One success in the @coolmorestud Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes 🥇@yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/Zp71FRm58r
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2025
Dwyer said the victory was as convincing as it was satisfying. “I’d love to see the replay as I was under a scrum of people for the last bit, but that looked very convincing. When you know they’re going to win at the two-furlong marker, you’re on pretty good terms with yourself. It was an easy watch and really enjoyable,” he said.
The win came after a frustrating series of British starts since her King Charles III Stakes success last year. Asfoora had failed to salute in four subsequent attempts, including a fourth when favourite in last year’s Nunthorpe and a fifth when defending her King Charles III crown earlier this season. She was also seventh in the King George Stakes.
Dwyer admitted it was all-or-nothing this campaign. “It was really disappointing last year but we really thought she was on song this time. We knew there were no excuses for this – it was win or be retired,” he said. “It’s an incredible buzz to be validated with what you think. A few people were doubting her and it’s hard to keep faith when they’re not winning, but we made sure to never lose it.”
The trainer also explained why Asfoora returned to Europe for a second campaign. “We didn’t set out to come over here again, it was just that there were no options for her in Australia. The programme just doesn’t cater for five-furlong horses over there and it was looking a bit dicey this year, but she’s done it again.”
Punters can continue to follow Asfoora’s racing journey, with betting options available through leading Australian betting sites.
