Mossman’s champion sprinter Buffering was named Queensland’s Horse of the Year for a record fourth time on Monday evening.
Trainer Robert Heathcote and the gelding’s owners have a trophy cabinet fit to burst and they celebrated with more silverware at the awards held at Doomben’s Satchel Room.
The judges voted for Buffering from a list of nominees including Jetset Lad (Brisbane Cup), Rudy (Villiers Stakes) and Tinto (Magic Millions Stayers Cup). He is the first horse to win it four times since awards began in 1971.
“He was the only Queensland horse to win a Group 1 last season,” Heathcote said. “It’ a great reward for a wonderful horse. He’s an eight year-old but is far from finished.”
Buffering repeated his 2014 Moir Stakes win at Moonee Valley a fortnight ago and will continue his spring campaign in the G1 Manikato Stakes and G1 Darley Classic.
“I’m in two minds where to go after Melbourne,” Heathcote admitted. “He would be suited at weight for age in the Winterbottom Stakes in Perth and the $1 million Magic Millions Sprint at the Gold Coast would be perfect.”
Buffering cost $22,000 from the Racetree draft at the 2009 Magic Millions and he has now earned $5,154,866. Vinery sire Mossman got him from Sydney winner Action Annie (Anabaa) who is a half-sister to the international stakes performers Instant Strike and Don’t Go Crazy.
