Henry Dwyer’s globetrotting mare Asfoora proved once again that class travels, storming home to claim the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (1000m) in Paris on Sunday — a first-ever French victory for an Australian-trained horse.

The connections had faced a tough choice between Ireland’s Flying Five Stakes and the Abbaye, but their gamble on ParisLongchamp’s straight course paid off in style. Under a tactically brilliant ride from Oisin Murphy, the seven-year-old daughter of Flying Artie sat patiently behind the leaders before surging past Jawwal (Wooded) and She’s Quality (Acclamation) to win comfortably in 56.39 seconds, with margins of ½ length, 2½ lengths, and 1¼ lengths.

“It’s extraordinary to win a race here during Arc weekend,” said Dwyer with a grin. “We thought about coming last year but she just wasn’t right after York. This time, we took a different route — Ireland didn’t go our way, but the ground here suited her better. Maybe not perfect, but good enough.”

The win capped a memorable European adventure for the Ballarat-based trainer, who has made a habit of chasing new frontiers. “Few horses go to Royal Ascot and then keep going, but that’s what we wanted to do,” he added. “I might be wrong, but I think this is the first time an Australian-trained horse has ever won a race in France. We’re a small team, but we like to try things that haven’t been done before.”

The day wasn’t without drama. Upon arriving at the track, the team realized they’d left Asfoora’s passport behind in Chantilly — and accidentally brought the papers of a horse they’d just bought at the Arqana sale. “Luckily, Francis Graffard’s assistant raced back, gave it to an Uber driver, and got it here in time. We owe that guy a glass of champagne!” Dwyer joked.

It was a victory built on patience and persistence — two traits that have defined Asfoora’s European campaign. She had disappointed on heavy going at York, Goodwood, and the Curragh, but the Paris turf provided her long-overdue chance to shine.

“She’s given us the thrill of a lifetime,” Dwyer said. “Racing, like life, is about experiences — and this is one we’ll never forget.”

Result – Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines
1️⃣ Asfoora (Oisin Murphy)
2️⃣ Jawwal (Clément Lecœuvre)
3️⃣ She’s Quality (James Ryan)
Time: 0:56.39 – Margins: ½ – 2½ – 1¼