Ed Sadler’s path from a university student to becoming Australia’s international racing ambassador is a testament to dedication, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of equine performance. His journey, marked by significant achievements and a global outlook, began during his undergraduate studies at the University of Melbourne.
The Nascent Stages of a Racing Career
Dwyer’s initial foray into professional racing occurred while he was a student, working in the stables at Flemington before his morning classes. This early exposure provided a hands-on foundation. Following his university education, Dwyer deepened his equine knowledge at Euroa before completing an Advanced Diploma in Horse Business Management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong.
His career progression saw him join Robert Smerdon’s stable at Caulfield as foreman and then assistant trainer for four years. In 2011, a pivotal move was made to Macedon Lodge, the private training facility for Lloyd Williams, where he served as assistant trainer to Rob Hickmott. This period included involvement in Green Moon’s 2012 Melbourne Cup victory. To further hone his skills, Dwyer traveled extensively, gaining insights from distinguished trainers such as John Oxx in Ireland and Criquette Head-Maarek in France, broadening his understanding of international racing practices.
Establishing a Training Operation
Dwyer commenced his independent training career at Caulfield, initially leasing four stables. His inaugural winner, Prelusive Strike, secured a narrow victory in a class one race at Cranbourne in March 2013. His ascent to prominence was swift. In August 2013, he acquired Sonntag, a tried horse from Darley for $58,000. Despite a life-threatening tendon infection shortly after purchase, Sonntag recovered and went on to win the 2014 Queensland Derby, marking Dwyer’s first Group 1 success.
Dwyer’s stable at Caulfield experienced significant growth, expanding from four boxes to eighteen, and eventually to forty. Another significant triumph came with the acquisition of Precious Gem, a horse already in training, who captured the 2016 Robert Sangster Stakes in South Australia, securing Dwyer’s second Group 1 win.
Transition to Ballarat
In late 2019, Dwyer announced a strategic relocation of his training operations from Caulfield to Ballarat, a move necessitated by the impending closure of training facilities at Caulfield. Dwyer acknowledged the historical significance and success achieved at Caulfield but emphasized that the move to Ballarat, in conjunction with his beach property at St Leonards, was strategically aligned with his business model to maximize equine potential and owner outcomes.
The Emergence of Asfoora
A significant turning point in Dwyer’s career arrived with Asfoora, a Flying Artie filly who was passed in at the 2020 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale for $24,000, below her reserve price. Acquired by Dwyer through owner Akram El-Fahkri of Noor Elaine Farm, Asfoora quickly demonstrated her talent, winning her first three starts and rapidly ascending through the ranks. She achieved stakes success, winning the G2 Caufield Sprint and the G3 Begonia Belle Stakes within her first year of racing. Securing a Group 1 victory with Asfoora presented a unique challenge, given her optimal sprinting distance of 1000m to 1100m and the limited top-tier races within that bracket.
Demonstrating Versatility
Dwyer consistently showcased his versatility as a trainer, exemplified by his achievements in late August and early September 2023. During this period, he trained Brungle Bertie to win the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat, a prestigious jumps race. Merely six days later, Asfoora clinched the G3 Heath 1100 Stakes, securing an early spring feature.
The Path to International Success
A pivotal moment occurred at The Valley, which inspired Dwyer to pursue an ambitious overseas campaign with Asfoora. Despite a strong performance in races like the Oakleigh Plate and The Galaxy earlier that year, Asfoora was narrowly defeated by the dominant sprinter Imperatriz in the G1 Moir Stakes on AFL Grand Final Eve 2023. This close contest solidified Dwyer’s belief that Asfoora’s Group 1 success was more likely to be achieved on foreign soil, particularly in Europe, where suitable short-course races were more prevalent.
Royal Ascot Triumph and Beyond
Following an autumn campaign in Melbourne and Sydney, Asfoora was prepared for a British summer campaign. After a preparatory run at Haydock, her main target was the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot, a race with a rich history of Australian success. As a $6 chance, Asfoora delivered a powerful finishing burst under jockey Oisin Murphy, securing her maiden Group 1 victory on the world stage. Dwyer expressed his gratitude for the experience, noting the “audacious plan” and the confidence in Asfoora’s suitability for the five-furlong distance. He reflected on the rarity of Group 1 wins and highlighted Asfoora’s deservingness of the accolade due to past challenges in Australian Group 1 races.
Dwyer garnered acclaim not only for his training prowess but also for his composed handling of the significant media attention and his interactions with King Charles III. Asfoora concluded her UK campaign with second and fourth-place finishes at the Goodwood and York festivals before returning to Australia.
Parisian Plunder
The partnership between Dwyer and Asfoora reached another milestone with their victory in the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp on Sunday night, a significant event during the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting. Ridden again by Oisin Murphy, Asfoora’s perfectly timed run secured her third Group 1 win. The victory was almost jeopardized by pre-race issues concerning Asfoora’s identification and passport, requiring a last-minute scramble to resolve. Dwyer reflected philosophically on the European journey, emphasizing the value of new experiences in life and racing, culminating in a G1 win on Arc Day in France.
Sources:
- Original article provided.
