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European Campaign on the Cards for Aussie Ace Asfoora

Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), a multiple Group 2 winner in her native Australia, is likely to travel to Britain next month with a view to running in some of the top sprints in Europe.

The five-year-old Asfoora is yet to win in Group 1 company on home soil, but she proved her wellbeing when finishing a close-up fourth in Saturday's G1 Galaxy H. at Rosehill for the second year in succession. That run teed her up perfectly for an overseas campaign according to trainer Henry Dwyer, who cited a lack of opportunities in Australia in the coming weeks as a key reason behind the decision to travel.

Reflecting on Asfoora's run in the Galaxy, Dwyer told Racing.com, “She was great, [it was] just a bit frustrating to get beaten 0.8 lengths and run fourth but she ran as well as she could. I've got a few calls to make in the next couple of days to work out what's what, [but I'm] still keen for us to head over there.

“At the end of the day, there are zero races for her here and there are six races for her over there, so we may as well go over. She's come through the run well, she's just travelled so well, which is great knowing what's ahead.”

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Annaf Misses Dubai Date Due to Travel Setback

Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) has been ruled out of the G1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night having picked up a respiratory illness in transit.

Trained by Mick Appleby, Annaf was last seen securing a lucrative payday for his connections when landing the $2-million G2 1351 Turf Sprint in Saudi Arabia, bursting clear in the closing stages to win by three quarters of a length. The five-year-old had another big pot in his sights in the shape of the $1.5-million Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on Saturday, March 30, but those plans have now had to be shelved as he prepares to return to his trainer's Oakham base.

Appleby said, “He got taken ill on the flight over, but it is not life threatening or anything and he's hopefully going to be fine, it's just prevented him from running. It's a shame but it's a risk you take when they are flying a fair bit. He came home after Saudi and was heading back out so maybe it was just a bit too much for him.

“He should be fine and the vets out in Dubai in the hospital are happy with him–he should be fine to come back home when the other one [Roberto Escobarr] does. We'll probably get him ready for Ascot now, that will probably be the main aim.”

A run at Royal Ascot could also be on the cards for Annaf's stablemate, Big Evs (Ire), who won four of his six starts as a two-year-old in 2023, culminating with another high-profile international success for his stable when landing the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita in November.

“He's great and has wintered really well,” Appleby said of the son of Blue Point (Ire). “He's not far off being ready to run, we just need to decide where we are going to run. The obvious race would have been the Commonwealth Cup, but that is six furlongs and we don't really want to try him over six first time back, so we're not really sure where we will start back. The weather is not helping and it's raining again here now.

“I think in the early season we will definitely be sticking to five furlongs. We're obviously going to have to try him at six at some point and the way he won at Goodwood on that heavy ground, you would say he would stay the six.”

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Direct Equine Exports from South Africa to the EU Approved After Lengthy Ban

The ban on direct equine exports to the European Union (EU) from South Africa has been lifted, South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP) announced on Monday.

It is 13 years since South Africa was last able to export registered equines directly to the EU. SAEHP was formed in 2018 and has been working with the South African Government for the past six years to achieve this export milestone, with the timing of the first official EU audit, scheduled for 2020, having to be delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, after the audit was rescheduled and carried out in 2022, the South African Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has now received official notification that the reinstatement of direct EU equine exports has been approved, following a meeting of the EU Commission Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed – Controls and Import Conditions Section.

Dr Mpho Maja, director of animal health at DALRRD, said, “I am very pleased with the outcome; this shows that when we work together, we can achieve what is thought to be impossible. I send my gratitude to the equine industry and provincial veterinary services for the support provided in ensuring compliance to the requirements. I look forward to our horses flying the flag internationally and making us all proud.”

David Abery, chairman of SAEHP, added, “This is very exciting news, and thank you to everyone involved in making it happen. It is anticipated that this opening up of direct EU exports will, over time, give a significant boost to not just the South African thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, but also to the other equine disciplines, all of which have been somewhat internationally isolated for many years.

“It is vital that what has now been achieved is maintained, and we look forward to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the functions of SAEHP are well funded and developed as required, so that we can support industry in maximising the value which flows from an efficient and strong horse export system.”

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Al Basti Equiworld And York Racecourse Continue Sponsorship Partnership

Al Basti Equiworld will renew its partnership with York Racecourse and continue sponsoring a trio of group races, the two organisations announced on Sunday.

The £180,000 G2 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Dante S. and the £150,000 G2 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Middleton S. will take place on May 16 this year. The £250,000 G2 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Gimcrack S. will be held on Aug. 23.

Malih Al Basti said, “Our long-standing relationship with York Racecourse has contributed significantly to promoting recognition of our brand within the sport and beyond. I am delighted that we are able to continue our support for these three important races at two of British racing's most exciting Festivals.”

Chairman of York Racecourse, Bridget Guerin, added, “Malih Al Basti has been a great supporter of York, so it is wonderful news that his support is set to continue. All three races have a rich heritage with many famous winners and memorable contests, they will continue to thrive under the strong partnership between Al Basti Equiworld and the team at York.”

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