Australian Asfoora oozes class to win the King Charles III

Henry Dwyer’s Asfoora becomes the latest Australian raider to win the King Charles III Stakes, previously named the King’s Stand.

There’s no less than 10,000 miles between Ascot and his stable, but it was well worth the journey as Asfoora showed a serious turn of pace to defeat his rivals in style. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, Asfoora settled early, with Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner, Big Evs, taking lead. A patient Murphy stayed prominent before swooping late in style.

They finished a length ahead of Regional who were in turn half-a-length clear of Big Evs. A jubilant Murphy said; “I’m thrilled for connections, it’s brave to come from Australia with all the travel and how good was she? I was focusing on Regional, who gave me the perfect tow to half way. She lugged right for company late on, but how good was she at the line? I’m delighted, to win a Group 1 on day one, I’m over the moon.”

Her victory was a huge moment for owner Akram El-Fahkri, who was visiting Europe for the first time to see his star mare run. Asfoora becomes the sixth Australian horse to win the race, following Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Mis Andretti (2007), Scenic Blast (2009) and Nature Strip (2022).