‘Mixed emotions’: Asfoora’s regular jockey Mitch Aitken proud of Royal Ascot triumph

Jockey Mitch Aitken had an alarm set, about 17,000km away, to watch Asfoora take on the world and win at Royal Ascot.

Asfoora ridden by Mitchell Aitken wins the Schillaci Stakes.

Victorian jockey Mitch Aitken could be reunited in England with Royal Ascot Group 1-winner Asfoora in August.

Aitken, Asfoora’s regular rider in Melbourne, partnered the Henry Dwyer-trained mare at Haydock last month before handing over to champion jockey Oisin Murphy.

Murphy guided Asfoora to a stirring victory in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

Aitken had an alarm set, about 17,000km away, to watch Asfoora take on the world and win.

“By the time I woke up I watched the last 400m,” Aitken said.

“She was brave and it was a great run.”

* Sheila Laxon eyes 2024 Caulfield-Melbourne Cup double

Asfoora has done it!!! She wins the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot! You beauty! 🇦🇺 @HDwyerRacingpic.twitter.com/1WMat9Voye

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 18, 2024

Dwyer texted Aitken after the win to remind the young jockey he was part of the success.

“There were some mixed emotions, but I’m really proud of her and for Henry too,” Aitken said.

“It was a courageous thing to do to take her over there, despite what all the people were saying online. He believed in himself and the horse and good on him for doing that.”

Asfoora became the sixth Australian-trained sprinter to win the King Charles III Stakes, formerly King’s Stand Stakes.

Despite a concern the stiff straight course with an uphill finish could bring undone the Ballarat-based mare, Asfoora won by a length.

“She had her game face on and when she does, she’s brilliant,” Aitken said.

Asfoora’s international odyssey is set to include the Group 2 King George Stakes (1006m) at Goodwood on August 2 and Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (1006m) on August 24.

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Asfoora and Aitken winning at Sandown in September, 2022

Sprints in Ireland and France could also be considered for the 1000m specialist.

Aitken has passport and bags at the ready to partner Asfoora at York should he get the call up.

“I don’t know yet, but we’ll wait and see, hopefully I’ll get the phone call from Henry,” Aitken said.

“I’ll have the bags ready and hopefully they won’t go missing this time.”

Aitken missed a set of trials at Ararat last month after his luggage, with all of his riding gear in it, was lost “for a couple days” on the return trip to Melbourne.

Originally published as ‘Mixed emotions’: Asfoora’s regular jockey Mitch Aitken proud of Royal Ascot triumph