This is why racing is the greatest sport!
Asfoora is the pride of Australian racing this morning.
From a maiden victory at Colac to Group 1 glory at Royal Ascot.
It is the stuff of dreams.
Trained by Henry Dwyer, the boy from Melbourne who now calls Ballarat home, who studied to be an accountant but his passion and love of the horse and punt meant there was only one profession for Henry.
Owned by a boy from Lebanon, a man named Akram El-Fahkri – who owns a Taxi business in Melbourne and a thoroughbred and breeding farm in Euroa – along with his family made their first trip to Europe to watch their dream mare in battle at the Royal Meeting.
Asfoora was stiff not to win a Group 1 at home, she was placed in half of her six Group 1 runs but this was still a massive punt by Henry and Akram to head to the UK.
In the end the decision to head to the UK wasn’t about the money at all.
There were plenty of non-believers but those non-believers didn’t quite get it because for Asfoora’s trainer and owner they had all already won.
Win, lose or draw, this was their dream to have an Ascot runner and especially to share the occasion with family and friends.
But boy, this is the way to live your dream.
This is a story that will be remembered alongside Australia’s famous Ascot triumphs. She was the sixth Australian horse to win the race joining some of the greats including Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007), Scenic Blast (2009) and Nature Strip (2022).
Asfoora, Henry, Akram and Asfoora’s strapper Chenelle Ellis, who had spent every day for the last two months with her favourite girl, are all King Charles the third champions.
Their respective trophies were presented by the King himself and while the Asfoora team were never going to forget that day at Ascot, now the rest of the country will also never forget.
This magical moment will now inspire others to go and chase their dreams.
How bloody good is that! All thanks to the greatest game of all.