Noor Elaine Farm celebrates Asfoora's stunning Royal Ascot win

THE adage "Who's your daddy?" holds significant weight in horse racing, where lineage and breeding can make all the difference. This is evident in the story of Asfoora, who was brought up by Noor Elaine Farm in Euroa, and recently captured headlines with a stunning victory in the Group one King Charles III Stakes in England. She is the talented progeny of Flying Artie, who stands at Blue Gum Farm just outside of Euroa. Asfoora’s victory in the King Charles III Stakes is a significant milestone for both her and her parents, Flying Artie and Golden Child. Flying Artie has sired numerous winners, but Asfoora’s triumph at Royal Ascot places him in a special league. Flying Artie’s exceptional speed and agility on the racetrack have been passed on to his dashing daughter. Displaying exceptional speed and stamina, Asfoora secured her place among the notable winners of this historic race. Ridden by jockey Oisin Murphy, she took the lead 150 meters from the finish line and maintained it, finishing a length ahead of her closest competitor. The race attracts elite milers from across the world, with a current purse of AUD $1,200,000, reflecting its high status among the racing elite. Asfoora’s success not only highlights the genetic excellence of Flying Artie and Golden Child but also the meticulous training and care provided by Henry Dwyer Racing. This achievement is a testament to the high standards of breeding and training that are hallmarks of Noor Elaine Farm, owned by Akram El-Fahkri. Noor Elaine Farm, originally a cattle grazing farm on the Moglonemby Rd, has been transformed into an outstanding equine facility under the expert tutelage of Mark Calwell. Purchased in 1990 by the El-Fahkri family, the farm is now managed by experienced horseman Tim Jackson. Youssef and Norlane El-Fahkri, who migrated to Australia in 1956, always had a passion for the thoroughbred industry. The farm is named after the matriarch of the family, Norlane El-Fahkri, one of Australia’s first female taxi drivers. Asfoora's dam, Golden Child, also had a rags-to-riches backstory. She was acquired for $11,000 from the Inglis December Thoroughbred Sale at Oaklands Junction, despite having a broken-down NF injury making her suitable only as a broodmare. Mark Calwell approved this purchase, and it was planned to mate her with Flying Artie to breed a similar cross to The Big Chill and If Not Now When. Despite being unwanted as a yearling and passing in at the Adelaide Magic Millions Sale, Asfoora’s potential was always believed in by Henry Dwyer, who insisted she was one of the best five-furlong horses in the world. After missing the start at the Oakleigh plate, doubts had crept in about her talent, but a solid performance in the Galaxy cemented her spot to travel to Ascot. Asfoora amazingly galloped away in front of King Charles and Queen Camilla, finishing a length ahead of the Edward Bethell-trained Regional, and $3.75 favorite Big Evs a further half-length away in third. A lot of credit goes to Henry Dwyer and her handler Chenelle Ellis who has taken care of Asfoora during her England visit. The team at Noor Elaine Farm are humbled that Asfoora now joins champions such as Miss Andretti and Black Caviar as mares to be successful at Royal Ascot. Asfoora’s victory at Royal Ascot will likely lead to her running in the weight for age - Nunthorpe stakes. Asfoora’s story, from an unwanted yearling to an Ascot champion, is a shining example of how excellent breeding, coupled with top-tier training and an excellent eye for potential, can lead to extraordinary success on the track.