Buffering to get Queensland farewell

Queensland racing fans will get the chance to farewell retired Group One star Buffering at a series of events over the summer carnival.

Buffering, the winner of seven Group One races and $7.3 million prize money, was retired after finishing sixth in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley last Friday night.

The nine-year-old, five times Queensland’s Horse of the Year, arrived at the Living Legends retirement farm in Victoria this week and immediately settled in well.

Trainer Robert Heathcote said Buffering had been racing around his paddock enjoying himself.

“I put a series of photographs up on social media and the response was fantastic. He is such a popular horse and the overall support we have got since retiring him has been fantastic,” Heathcote said.

“Buffering will spend six weeks at Living Legends and then be brought back to Queensland for some farewell appearances leading into the Magic Millions carnival in January.

“We are working with the Brisbane Race Club to put the final details together.”

During his Queensland stay Buffering will be pampered at his part-owner Bruce Harry’s Burbank property on Brisbane’s southern outskirts.

Heathcote said it wasn’t just Queensland fans who wanted to say goodbye to Buffering.

“For instance the Wodonga Turf Club has been in contact and wants him at their Cup meeting,” Heathcote said.

“Because he was the underdog so often people love him.”