Champion sprinter Buffering won his third G1 Moir Stakes (1000m) amid wild celebrations at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Sidelined with a ligament injury since last December, the effervescent veteran gave his younger rivals a galloping lesson with a front-running victory over Ball Of Muscle and Angelic Light.
Buffering returned to a standing ovation from a large public-holiday crowd in Melbourne. “He’s awesome,” trainer Robert Heathcote declared. “This is his sixth spring carnival – it’s been a dream ride.”
The Queenslander led local fillies Fontiton and Petits Filous and then kicked clear off the corner to complete a Moir treble following wins in 2012 and 2014. The only other time he’s run in the Moir (in 2013), he was runner-up to More Than Ready mare Samaready.
“He’s an extraordinary racehorse,” Heathcote continued. “He raced against Black Caviar and Hay List and here he is – an eight year-old – still lining up and winning a Group 1. He did it at both ends and was just too tough. He worked hard and was strong at the finish against a quality field of sprinters.”
Buffering cost $22,000 as a yearling and Friday’s victory saw the son of Vinery stallion Mossman pass the $5 million milestone in earnings. Only two other Australian sprinters have earned $5 million or more – Black Caviar and Takeover Target.
“He knows what to do and is a real trooper,” jockey Damien Browne said. “He’s a true champion. The toughest horse I have ever ridden.”
Mossman stands for a $27,500 (inc GST) fee at Vinery and he remains a popular choice for breeders like John Cornish of Torryburn Stud. “I really like Mossman. He’s a war horse and is in the peak of his career,” Cornish told ANZ Bloodstock this week. “He was ill in his early breeding days and perhaps we haven’t seen his full potential.”
This win now means that Mossman has sired Group 1 winners from the age of 2yo – 8yo.
Watch the incredible race by Buffering here: https://www.racing.com/news/2015-10-02/the-buff-is-back
