Aussie bred mare Asfoora, the Champion European Sprinter in 2025, went around overnight in the Group II King George Stakes (5f) at Goodwood and while she did not win, the daughter of Flying Artie showed she was back to something like her best.
In four previous runs this year the Henry Dwyer trained Asfoora had not found form, but this was the Asfoora of old.
She charged to the front under Oisin Murphy with 100m to run and looked to set for victory until the swoopers arrived late with G1 winning sprinter American Affair (6g Washington DC) taking the win.
Asfoora held on for fourth beaten less than a length with Rumstar and Time for Sandals in second and third.
“Incredibly proud that we've been able to keep Asfoora up for so long, she's a seven-year-old mare - eight-year-old mare your time. She's had a fair bit of racing and a lot of travel,” said Henry Dwyer.
“As a horse trainer, you can sort of only judge yourself on the performance of your animals, and she's made us incredibly proud.”
Asfoora was due to be retired after this run, but in light of her good performance a crack at defending her win in the Group I Group I Nunthorpe at York later this month might be on the table.
Asfoora’s dam Golden Child has two full siblings to follow in the pipeline for Akram El-Fahkri at Noor Elaine Farm with a yearling colt and a just turned 2YO filly by Flying Artie.
She is due to foal again to the Blue Gum Farm based stallion this spring.
Noor Elaine Farm have exciting times ahead with a new stallion this spring in Group I winner Nepotism, who hails from the famed Black Caviar family that has produced leading sires all Too Hard, Ole Kirk and the late Magnus.
