EXCITEMENT is growing as an Australian raider looks set to add an international twist to one of Haydock Park’s most prestigious fixtures.

Twenty-two horses including a mare from the other side of the world, Asfoora, carry entries for this year’s Betfred Temple Stakes, which take place on May 25 at the venue.

Established in 1965, the £125,000 race attracts top-class sprinters from across the country and beyond, cementing itself as a standout fixture in Haydock Park’s flat racing season.

The Henry Dwyer-trained Asfoora has travelled across the globe to participate in a series of British races this summer, kicking off her campaign at Haydock Park before running at Royal Ascot and potential races at York and Goodwood.

Speaking about coming to the Northwest from Australia, Dwyer said: “We are extremely excited to get the ball rolling on Asfoora’s European preparation next Saturday at Haydock.

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“The flat 5f course there suits her down to the ground and while she’ll no doubt improve off the run, we’re hopeful she can prove competitive and show that the decision to send her to the other side of the world was warranted.”

“She seems to have settled into life at Newmarket well and we couldn’t be happier with how things have unfolded as far.”

Dwyer is a two-time Group 1 winning trainer who trains at Ballarat, a racecourse and major training hub situated around 90 minutes from Melbourne.

General manager of Haydock Park, Molly Dingwall said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming spectators back to Haydock Park for this year’s Temple Stakes.

“The event is one of the highlights of our flat racing calendar and we can’t wait to showcase the thrilling competition and amazing atmosphere that makes the Temple Stakes a must-attend event.

“This year's renewal is particularly exciting with the inclusion of Asfoora, an Australian runner. It adds an international flavour to the competition and showcases the appeal of the race. We can't wait to see how Asfoora fares against what looks set to be a formidable field of contenders."

Regional, who won last year’s Sprint Cup at the track gifting his trainer Ed Bethell his first ever Group 1 success, also holds an entry. Another exciting entry comes from the Michael Appleby-trained Big Evs, who hasn’t been seen since his victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in the USA in November.

The Betfred Temple Stakes Raceday is the first of a string of top-quality flat fixtures taking place at Haydock Park this summer, with the Old Newton Cup Festival, Rose of Lancaster Carnival and Sprint Cup Celebration all to look forward to over the coming months.