Buffering was the people’s champ for punters Australia wide throughout his storied career, but for Corrimal-based travel and tourism manager Damien Merola he was so much more than that.
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Merola was lucky enough to purchase a share of the sprinter from good friend Scott Chipperfield before the superstar tasted his first Group 1 success and followed the recently retired superstar on a journey of a lifetime.
Buffering, trained by Robert Heathcote, went on to win an amazing seven Group 1s and over $7.3 million in career prizemoney after being purchased for just $22,000.
Merola was there virtually every step of the way as he chalked up victories all over Australia and the world.
“I’ve been there pretty much all the way from Dubai to Hong Kong and through all the ups and downs,” Merola said.
“It’s been great a ride.
“It is something that will stay with me forever.”
While Buffering gave his owners countless highlights during a storied career, his victory in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai in March this year is one that will live long in the memory.
“It was amazing,” Merola said.
“I think there was 20 or 30 of us who made the journey so it was really special.
“We were well looked after by the Sheikh and they looked after Buff there.
“It was fantastic.”
Buffering was officially retired last Friday night after finishing sixth behind Rebel Dane in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
Merola said the time was right.
“We never wanted to push him past the point of no return and I think being a people’s favourite, we wanted to make sure he didn’t finish on a bad note,” he said.
“We believe it was the right time and we were led there by [regular jockey] Damian Browne who pretty much made the call that it was time.
“He has been with him pretty much the whole time and we trust him.”
Buffering will live out most of his days at Living Legends in Victoria before heading back to Queensland in the colder months.
For the Merola, the Group 1 roller-coaster hasn’t stopped yet. He part owns another of Robert Heathcote’s stable stars, Hopfgarten.
The six-year-old will run in the Group 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) on Derby Day at Flemington.