Dwyer banking on blinkers sparking Asfoora revival

Royal Ascot will always bring fond memories for Henry Dwyer, who returns to the meeting not only with his ace sprinter Asfoora but also a bolstered team for 2026.

Although fellow Aussies Overpass and Joliestar are garnering all the headlines in the build-up to this years’ global showpiece, it can not be forgotten that Asfoora has already been and done it on the Ascot stage, a victory that will mean Dwyer’s name will always remain inked on a glittering roll of honour.

The thrill of recreating that winning feeling of two years ago was always going to prove tough to resist for Dwyer, who has been an ever-present in a top hat since, and having now been granted a licence from the BHA, could saddle up to three runners at this year’s meeting.

Dwyer said: “We thought we’d expand the operation a little bit and as well as Asfoora we’ve a couple of other horses we’ve purchased over here that will give us a bit more fun throughout the week.

“In their infinite wisdom the BHA have given me a training licence and hopefully every year now we can pick up a few horses and spin them round before we can take them back to Australia – you could say I’m an adopted Brit now, you’re not getting rid of me.

“In honesty I’ll only really be here over the summer months and poke around with a few horses and enjoy a bit of travel which is something you miss out on as a racehorse trainer, so hopefully it will be good.”

He went on: “It’s great for my owners who have enjoyed the experience of coming over here the past few years. Getting a whole group over here and having a runner at Royal Ascot is high on a lot of bucket lists so I’m just trying to give them as memorable an experience as they can have.”

Asfoora herself can perhaps apply for dual nationality such has been her regularity on the British sprinting scene since landing the King Charles III Stakes in 2024.

Remaining in Newmarket in her adopted home at Lemos de Souza’s Southgate Stables since winning the Prix de l’Abbaye, the long game has been to prepare her gradually for her latest Ascot tilt.

And while early outings this term do little for the inspiration, Dwyer hopes the slow build to success can pay dividends when the trusty blinkers return on Tuesday.

He explained: “I think she’s going pretty well and I know there’s been a few runs so far this year where she’s not exactly shot the lights out but she’s come on a fair bit and she will get a nice suitable track on Tuesday which will help a lot.

“We’re putting the blinkers back on and if you look at the horse and watch her work and keep the faith then you would have to be confident, but you do need to have that faith to get over those two runs so far.”

Once Asfoora’s third outing at the meeting is over, Dwyer will saddle Kochella in the Albany Stakes on Friday.

He is well aware the young daughter of Kodiac, who finished third at Pontefract on debut, may well be returning to maiden company after her step into deep waters, but there are slightly higher estimations for Britannia Stakes chance Synners Kid who will sport the colours of renowned music agent Emma Banks.

“Emma has a little share in the horse and he gets to wear her colours,” said Dwyer.

“He’s a lovely little horse and he’s going to be a fun horse back in Australia as he’ll go back there with a really competitive rating and will suit our conditions.

“We bought him with a view to running at Royal Ascot and that’s been the brief and after that we’ll try and win somewhere else before going back to Australia later in the season.”