Asfoora’s Last Race May Yet See a Return

Asfoora’s Last Race in Europe

One of the most popular sprinters in recent years, Asfoora, has demonstrated potential for another Group One run after finishing fourth in the King George Stakes at Goodwood. Trainer Henry Dwyer expressed his hope that the mare might return to race, though it ultimately depends on owner Akram El-Fahkri.

Fourth Place Brings Hopes of Return

Dwyer noted that Oisin Murphy, Asfoora’s jockey, felt she was left without a lead horse for too long in the final stretch. Despite this setback, Dwyer remains optimistic about her future racing prospects and is considering a return to the Stewards’ Cup at Glorious Goodwood next month.

Other Notable Performances

The race saw American Affair secure victory over Talk Of New York in a close finish. American Affair’s jockey, Paul Mulrennan, expressed confidence that his horse would recover and improve from this performance.

In another race earlier on the card, William Buick rode Talk Of New York to an unexpected defeat against Shayem in the Thoroughbred Stakes. Despite being favored by odds of 2-5, Talk Of New York struggled to find pace early and ultimately finished half a length behind the winner.

Future Race Contenders

The upcoming Stewards’ Cup at Glorious Goodwood drew significant attention for its stall draws. The top contenders include George Baker’s Get It from stall 27, Richard Spencer’s Two Tribes from stall 13, and Sondad from stall 21.

Charlie Appleby’s Romantic Symphony has a strong chance in the Stewards’ Cup, while Ralph Beckett’s Sing Us A Song may benefit from racing on Goodwood's sharp track. Other highlights include William Haggas’s Al Aasy looking for a hat-trick and Owen Burrows’s filly Danielle aiming for another top performance.

Significance of the Race

The performance of these horses, especially Asfoora, suggests that European racing remains vibrant with potential up-and-comers. Asfoora's fourth-place finish could mean a significant change in her race plans, potentially extending her stay on the European circuit.

Source: The Guardian