Australian mare Asfoora’s bid to make history in Ireland fell short overnight, with the conditions at The Curragh blunting her turn of foot in the Group 1 Flying Five Stakes.
The $4.50 favourite was aiming to become the first Australian-trained horse to win on Irish soil following her triumph in the G1 Nunthorpe at York.
Despite travelling comfortably under new rider Dylan Browne McMonagle, she faded to seventh, less than three lengths from winner Arizona Blaze.
“I thought I was going to come with a nice run, but when I let her down she just didn’t quicken,” McMonagle said. “The winner and those in front relished the ground, but with her low action she couldn’t find that gear.”
Trainer Henry Dwyer reported the five-year-old pulled up well despite the defeat, suggesting the sticky surface proved decisive.
“She was only beaten a couple of lengths,” Dwyer said. “We had the perfect run behind the winner, but Dylan felt she didn’t feel comfortable in that gluey ground.”
Asfoora’s European adventure may not be over, with connections considering the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye (1000m) at Longchamp during the Arc weekend in October.
Back. In. Business! 🟣
𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞 atones for a Nunthorpe no-show in the Flying Five at the Curragh! 💨 pic.twitter.com/y4RSujq08W
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 14, 2025
