Asfoora’s journey across the globe has been one captured and enjoyed by many, but few more so than Chenelle Ellis.
The Ballarat-based groom and trackrider has spent countless hours on the ground with the six-year-old since travelling halfway across the world and couldn’t be prouder of the Henry Dwyer-trained mare, who will bid to continue her love affair with England in Friday week’s Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1006m) at York.
“It’s been absolutely amazing since we’ve brought her over here. I’m so happy and proud of her,” Ellis said.
“When Henry (Dwyer) asked me to come over it was a no-brainer.
“The summer here has been good, and it just makes it so much better when you have a horse who has been competitive in these great races.”
A sensational performance in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot in June raised the roof of the staggering Berkshire grandstand, creating a day that will live long in the memory of Ellis, whose face brimmed with pure pride and enjoyment when the memory was revived.
“To be over here with a horse like her has just been unreal,” Ellis said.
“I’m so grateful to Henry and the owner for entrusting me with her.
“A lot of people have asked me what the highlight of the day was, but it just has to be her winning. We wouldn’t have had the day we had if she hadn’t won.”
The daughter of Flying Artie may have been touched off a short-head by Big Evs in the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes (1006m) at Glorious Goodwood at her third UK outing, but Asfoora is expected to relish the flatter track at York.
UK bookmakers have her the $4 favourite to go 2-1 up in her matchup with Big Evs on the Knavesmire. Mick Appleby’s contender is set to reoppose once more and is a general $5 chance to confirm the Goodwood placings.
“I’m looking forward to York,” Ellis said after a media day at the stable on Tuesday morning, UK time.
“She galloped this morning and galloped really good. She pulled-up well and her wind was good.
“(We’re) very happy and she’s in a very good spot going into York.”
Asfoora’s and Ellis’ international journey could continue beyond York, with Dwyer still eyeing the Flying Five Stakes (Ireland), Prix de l’Abbaye (France), and the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (America) as possibilities down the line.
“To go to Ireland would be unreal and to go to France and the US would be exactly the same,” Ellis said.
“Whichever way she goes, I’m so grateful for her. It’s been the trip of a lifetime.”