Queensland’s millionaire sprinter Buffering is one step closer to campaigning in the 2016 Dubai World Cup Carnival after receiving his vaccinations early this week.
Buffering, above, is preparing to travel to Dubai for the Al Quoz Sprint. Photo by Steve Hart.
Premiership trainer Robert Heathcote has reported that Buffering is having a short break at Washpool Lodge at Aratula following his effortless win in the $1m Magic Millions QTIS Open Plate (1300m) at the Gold Coast last Saturday.
Heathcote also confirmed that the eight year old was also recovering from the vaccinations that will allow him to travel to Dubai to contest the Group 1 US$1m Al Quoz Sprint (1000m) at Meydan on March 26.
“He is out at Washpool Lodge so it is a chance for him to recover from the vaccinations and be ready to travel,” Heathcote told AAP.
The six time Group 1 winner added another $600,000 to his already impressive bank balance with his win in the Magic Millions Open Plate, taking his overall prizemoney earnings to $6.444 million.
Buffering was sent out the as the well-deserved raging $1.35 favourite and gave Damian Browne an armchair ride to record a one and a half lengths win over $41 outsider Mister Booze with $13 chance Steel Zip a further one and three quarter lengths away in third spot.
Heathcote was very emotional following Buffering’s win at the Gold Coast and is looking forward to travelling overseas again with his stable star.
“It is an enormous relief and it gives me a lot of pride to showcase him here on his home-turf in Queensland,” Heathcote said.
“He is one of Queensland’s best-ever sprinters and to win here is just magic.
“Dubai, Hong Kong and back for a spell and back down to Melbourne and back here again this time next year.
“I just have enormous pride – the dream lives in racing.”
“This horse cost $22,000 and if you want to get into the game and enjoy some of this then get a share in a horse.”
Heathcote had ventured overseas with Buffering before for a sixth to Aerovelocity in the 2014 Group 1 HK$18.5m Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin and he is keen to have another attempt to win a race in the rich Asian Racing hub.
The Group 1 HK$10m Chariman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Shat Tin in Hong Kong on May 1 has been added to the 2016 Global Sprint Challenge and Heathcote is keen to have Buffering represent Australia.
Buffering has been a consistent performer at Group 1 level since his three year old season and has rewarded his connections with six Group 1 wins:
2013: $1m Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, $1m VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) at Flemington, $500,000 Crown Perth – Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot, Perth
2014: $450,000 City Jeep Moir Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley
2015: $450,000 City Jeep Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley, $1m Crown Perth-Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot, Perth.
