There’s nothing quite like stepping back into a place where you’ve already lived your dream — especially when that place happens to be Royal Ascot, and the dream involved chatting with the King and walking off with nearly £400,000 in prize money.
This week, Australian trainer Henry Dwyer is back in Berkshire with his champion sprinter Asfoora, the brilliant mare who dazzled last year and is now ready to defend her crown in the Group One King Charles III Stakes.
But this time around, Dwyer’s not just fine-tuning his horse — he’s also a little more prepared for royal small talk.
A Royal Encounter With a Comical Twist
Let’s rewind to 2024. Dwyer, still riding the high of getting Asfoora from his stables in Victoria all the way to Ascot, was minding his own business in the paddock when he suddenly found himself face-to-face with King Charles.
“I had no clue it was about to happen,” he laughs now.
“I didn’t even take my top hat off, and I definitely didn’t call him ‘Your Highness’ — because I had no idea that’s what you’re supposed to do!”
Still, the King was gracious. Dwyer told him about the mammoth task of getting Asfoora halfway across the world — a 13,359-mile journey costing around £120,000 for a race that barely lasts a minute.
The two chatted about horses, Australia, and a shared love of racing.
“I said to him, ‘It’s amazing meeting you, Sir, but I’d love to speak to you again with the trophy in hand.’”
Apparently, the King was game. “Let’s see if we can make that happen,” he replied.
Asfoora Delivered in Style
And wouldn’t you know it — Asfoora did exactly that.
With Oisin Murphy on board, she surged ahead in the final stretch and crossed the line a length clear, earning nearly £400,000.
The King even followed up: “I told you I could make this happen!”
Dwyer, grinning from ear to ear, later made sure to remove his hat for the trophy ceremony. “What an incredible experience,” he says.
“Racing introduces you to places and people you’d never expect — like chatting with the King of England. That’s the magic of this sport.”
The Long Road Back to Ascot
Getting Asfoora back to Ascot this year wasn’t any easier — even though she’s now a seasoned traveller.
Her journey began with a nine-hour, 600-mile drive to Sydney, followed by a two-day flight path from Sydney to Hong Kong, then to Doha, and finally to Stansted Airport.
“Each flight had a couple of hours of sitting on the tarmac in between,” Dwyer says.
“Last year, we had six hours stuck at Heathrow for customs clearance, but this time, thankfully, it all went smoothly.
She walked into the stables with her ears pricked, like she knew exactly where she was.”
Asfoora Is Ready to Fly Again
Asfoora looked in superb form at Southgate Stables in Newmarket, her coat shining and her movement light.
With 10 wins from 24 starts, she’s proven she belongs on the world stage.
“She’s the horse of a lifetime,” Dwyer says fondly.
The mare is owned by Akram El-Fakhri, a Melbourne taxi businessman who, like Dwyer, is daring to dream again this summer as Asfoora targets Europe’s top five-furlong sprints.
Dwyer Soaks in the Ride
While Dwyer’s boutique yard back home has around 45 horses, it’s Asfoora who has given him his “pinch-me” moment.
“Last year hasn’t even properly sunk in,” he admits.
“On the flight home from Ascot, I finally had a moment to reply to messages and watch the race again.
I think I’ve only seen the replay three times. It’s still surreal.”
Now, he’s back to try it all over again. “She feels great. Let’s see what happens.”
What to Watch For at This Year’s Royal Ascot
As the sport’s biggest week kicks off, here are five key storylines to follow at Royal Ascot:
The Royals Are Aiming High
King Charles and Queen Camilla are all-in on racing, and this year the King has Reaching High running in Tuesday’s Ascot Stakes.
It’s the first time master trainer Willie Mullins, a jumps legend, is fielding a Royal runner.
Ryan Moore takes the ride — and that alone makes it one to watch.
New Star in the Gold Cup Frame
Thursday’s Gold Cup will miss the brilliance of Kyprios, who’s injured, but his stablemate Illinois could step up for trainer Aidan O’Brien.
A strong and classy four-year-old, Illinois is a strong bet to continue O’Brien’s incredible run in this iconic race.
Colin Keane Joins Juddmonte’s Elite
Top Irish jockey Colin Keane is now officially Juddmonte’s first retained rider since 2014.
His rides include Field of Gold in the St James’s Palace Stakes and Qirat in the Royal Hunt Cup.
Keane’s been flying back and forth meeting UK trainers and is pumped for a massive week.
Qatar’s Wathnan Racing Are Going Big
Wathnan Racing, backed by the Emir of Qatar, made an unforgettable Ascot debut in 2023.
This year, their blue and gold silks will be everywhere.
Watch for Map of Stars in Wednesday’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Haatem in Tuesday’s Wolferton Stakes.
Japan Hopes Rest on Satono Reve
Japan’s never had a Royal Ascot winner — but that could change this Saturday with Satono Reve in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
His form has been electric in training, and he’s carrying the hopes of a nation.
One More Chance at Glory
As Royal Ascot roars back to life, Henry Dwyer and Asfoora are living proof of how far passion — and a fast horse — can take you.
From a quiet base on Australia’s Bellarine Peninsula to the hallowed turf of Berkshire, they’ve already written a fairytale.
But who says it can’t have a sequel?