Australia’s Asfoora Triumphs at York with Stunning Win

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Australian mare Asfoora produced a strong performance in England, claiming victory in the prestigious Nunthorpe Stakes at York on the third day of the Ebor Festival. The six-year-old, trained by Henry Dwyer and ridden by champion jockey Oisin Murphy, surged past her rivals in the closing stages to secure the win.

The Nunthorpe Stakes, a Group One sprint known for its international competition, drew a strong field this year. Asfoora, already recognised as one of Australia’s leading sprinters, entered as a contender following her success at Royal Ascot. Once the gates opened, she tracked the early pace set by Karl Burke’s Night Raider before breaking clear in the final furlong.

Murphy guided Asfoora into clear space, and she quickened decisively, finishing a length and a quarter clear. Kevin Ryan’s 100-1 outsider Ain’t Nobody finished second, William Knight’s Frost At Dawn took third, and Night Raider faded into fourth.

Speaking after the race, Murphy praised her composure and acceleration. “It was perfect. She got a nice run from Night Raider, and I allowed her to go forward,” he told ITV Racing. “She travelled very well, and the track is quite quick, which suits her.”

The win marks Asfoora’s second Group One triumph on British soil, following her King Charles III Stakes victory at Royal Ascot. For Dwyer, the York success underlines the quality of Australian sprinters on the global stage.

Australian horses have long been respected for their sprinting pedigree, but results in Europe remain highly valued due to the competitive nature of UK racing. Analysts say Asfoora’s adaptability on British tracks highlights her versatility and durability at the elite level.

Her victories at Royal Ascot and York have reinforced Australia’s growing presence in international sprint racing, with Murphy’s tactical patience and timing credited as key factors. As the Ebor Festival continues, Asfoora’s achievement stands as a highlight and a reminder of Australia’s ability to produce world-class talent.