When it comes to Queensland racing’s pride and joy Buffering, it’s best to discard any history or record books you can find. As we know, records are there to be broken and Buffering continues to defy the odds. Tonight the nine-year-old strives to become the first horse in the races 40 year history to notch a quartet of wins in the A. J. Moir Stakes.
One thing history books will tell you is that no two races are ever the same. Making it even more remarkable, in 2012 the Moir Stakes was run as a Group 2 event over 1200 metres and elevated to Group 1 level in 2014, while 12 months ago the race was dropped back to 1000 metres.
One thing that hasn’t changed however is Buffering’s trademark toughness and popularity - particularly from The Valley people.
“The reception he gets from the crowd at The Valley is sensational, they just love him – it’s any wonder he races so well here at his favourite racetrack on the planet,” trainer Rob Heathcote told us this week as Buffering prepared to fly out for his now annual ‘Melbourne mission’.
The racing public haven’t sighted Buffering since finishing last in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint in Hong Kong behind tonight’s fellow rival, Chautauqua. On the back of his Al Quoz Sprint win in Dubai, the son of Mossman put in what Heathcote described as ‘one of the worst races in his career.’
But if his barrier trial three weeks ago is anything to go by, the veteran isn’t done yet!
“I had to have a chuckle to myself, the old bugger ran half a second outside the track record so don’t worry I’ve got him nailed down and there won’t be any excuses,” declared Heathcote.
Only five horses in the last 30 years have won the Moir Stakes first-up from a spell – three of those have been with Buffering. The others, Lee Freedman’s Schillaci in 1992 and Sydney mare Our Egyptian Raine 11 years later. Heathcote will stick to his proven formula, which has also included five starts in the Manikato Stakes, of which he won one in 2013, meaning two clashes with the World’s Best Sprinter Chautauqua in less than three weeks.
“We won’t be changing our tactics, what you see is what you get with Buffering - he will jump and run as fast as he can for as long as he can,” proclaimed Heathcote.
The former Contiki Tour Guide and his $22,000 horse is one of racing’s great stories. Sadly, it’s closer to the end than the start but that doesn’t mean the last chapter has been written. As Heathcote reminded us, Takeover Target won the Goodwood Handicap at nine years of age. And believe it or not, if Buffering did happen to win tonight he would only equal Bomber Bill (2004 winner) as the oldest horse to win the race.
And Buffering better renew his passport… he might be heading back to Dubai yet!