Horse trainer honoured with civic reception

A CIVIC reception was held in the Trench Room of the Town Hall last week for Miners Rest racehorse trainer Henry Dwyer.

The event was held in celebration of Dwyer training horse Asfoora to a win in the King Charles III Stakes at England’s Royal Ascot in June.

“Having Asfoora run at Royal Ascot was very surreal and a great experience, but it could have been any trainer in Ballarat,” Dwyer said.

“It’s a testament to the facilities that we have.”

Dwyer and jockey Oisin Murphy were presented with the silverware by King Charles.

“Charles and Camilla were very good to chat to,” Dwyer said.

“We did discuss Ballarat. The first thing King Charles said was, ‘where are you from?’ He said he knew Ballarat, he went to school in Geelong and that he’d been to Ballarat.”

Attendees of the civic reception included Henry Dwyer Racing staff, Asfoora’s owner Akram El-Fahkri, the trainer’s family and friends, and Ballarat Turf Club representatives.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson commended Dwyer on the outstanding achievement.

“It’s propelled Ballarat onto the world stage,” he said.