A little over a month ago trainer Rob Heathcote was on top of the world following Buffering’s first Group 1 win on the international stage in Dubai.
Fast forward to now and it’s been a week of horror which Heathcote hopes will end at the Hollindale Stakes meeting at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Heathcote saddles up Hopfgarten in the Listed Prime Ministers Cup (1400m) and the promising Privlaka in the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m) and is hopeful both will be competitive.
Heathcote lost his brother, Jeff, 66, who died following a short battle with cancer last week then Buffering’s career was in doubt after pulling up lame following the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The only bright news for Heathcote came today with latest veterinary reports clearing Buffering to race on.
“It’s been a horror week. I lost my brother then Buffering was hurt and only yesterday I lost another horse, Real King, who had to be euthanased on the operating table after a bout of colic,” Heathcote said.
“He won three straight last time in and was very promising.
“The news with Buffering is good. The vets have just told me he’s made a very good recovery and will race on.
“I’ll probably give him a spell and perhaps look at the Moir Stakes again but I won’t hesitate to retire him if he shows any signs of being uncompetitive.”
Heathcote will be at the Gold Coast before flying to Tasmania for his brother’s funeral on Monday.
“I think my biggest worry with them is the track,” Heathcote said.
“I once joked Buffering would get beaten at the Gold Coast. It’s just a tricky track for some reason.”
Both Privlaka and Hopfgarten have been nominated for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June.
“Realistically that’s probably dreaming and I think Privlaka will make a good Queensland Guineas type and Hopfgarten is more of a Listed and Group 3 horse.”
Privlaka produced an eye-catching run at his only start this campaign when fourth in the Listed Mick Dittman Plate at the Sunshine Coast a fortnight ago.
“He’s a progressive type and his first up run was brilliant off a bad barrier over an unsuitable 1000 metres,” Heathcote said.
“My biggest fear is the track aside from his opposition. He had trouble getting around the track the only time he raced there.”
– Racing Queensland
