ROB'S SHOUT - BUFF IN HONG KONG (PART 5 - FINAL)
By Robert Heathcote | Thursday, December 18, 2014
In his personal blog, exclusive to HRO, multiple premiership winning trainer Robert Heathcote concludes his 'insider' account of the stable's Hong Kong adventure
I am back home now after what was a really wonderful experience in Hong Kong.
Ok, the result of the International Hong Kong Sprint was not what we had hoped for as Buffering could only manage a brave sixth placing.
While he certainly showed his customary fight I knew we were in trouble the moment they sprang from the barriers when Damian had to scrub Buff up a fair bit to get him to the lead and he could only make it to sit outside of the leader and eventual winner.
Little doubt that Buffering raced below his best and in the words of our jockey, “He raced a bit flat today”!
Perhaps it was the travel itself, maybe even the hoof abscess he suffered earlier in the week or quite simply the gruelling runs he had during the spring in Melbourne which may have taken its toll on him.
None the less we were all still very proud of our boy to have taken us onto this International Stage and to provide us all with such a memorable trip!
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And memorable it was!
The facilities at Sha Tin are quite breathtaking … an amazing grandstand with a saddling enclosure that is simply unique.
Upon arrival the owners were taken to several sumptuous dining rooms overlooking the racetrack.
Talk about fine wine and fine dining.
After I had finished the first of the ‘6 Boston Lobsters’ it was then time to explore other areas in the massive dining room. I then settled for some sushi and sashimi, freshly hand prepared in front of me.
Yes, it was a racing luncheon none of us will forget in a hurry.
I didn’t really do the spread proper justice though as I was still a bit nervous, but I figured there would be time post-race to squeeze in another lobster!
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After a feed and a few nerve settlers, I went off to explore a bit and to work the lay-out of the place prior to the big sprint.
They work different in that there are no tie up stalls as the horses are simply walked from their stables on course into an elaborate pre-race saddling area.
It was in this area where I watch one of the world’s best racehorses saddled up and yes, he did win the big one. Flintshire from France … now he is a serious racehorse!
Now that I think about it, Able Friend and Ambitious Dragon and even Aerovelocity can all become even bigger superstars with their big wins last Sunday.
The main International opening in the saddling paddock was a colourful affair as well with an incredible display of many of the world’s best jockeys.
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Race-time … and it truly was a moment to remember as we all waited in this incredible amphitheatre before the jocks were legged up for the big race.
As I said, so the race didn’t go as we had hoped but Buff earned enough with his sixth placing to pay for the fees to run and the quarantine fees back home, but going to Hong Kong was more than just the money.
It was so very special.
After the race tradition has it that everyone heads to the famous night spot of Lan Kwai Fong for a street party.
Wow, even I could not imagine what a fun night that would turn out to be.
Everyone was there from stewards, vets, jockeys, owners, trainers both local and International, the farriers, photographers, journalists, racing officials and many more.
It sure was a fun night with some great laughs and memories and a great night to round out what was a great experience.
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Yes, plenty of sore heads I am sure the following day as we all made our way back home.
The HK airport was invaded by Aussies who had made the trip to the big International day, many of who were on a fact finding mission for the Brisbane Racing Club.
Having now experienced Sha Tin, it’s pretty much what I now expect from the BRC with the new track construction well under way.
Ok, nothing wrong with dreaming!
Gee, over 200 million A$ wagered on just about every meeting twice a week little wonder the Hong Kong Jockey Club are the envy of racing bodies the world over!
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Buffering has to remain in Hong Kong for two weeks of further quarantine away from all horses except his mate, Criterion and boy, didn’t he run a super race.
David Hayes and his staff, Ryan and Roy, did a super job with him for his first run for the stable.
David is doing me a huge favour looking after Buff when he returns to Australia for the further two weeks quarantine at the Weribee International centre.
Much appreciated by us!
Yes, not easy travelling overseas and certainly not an inexpensive exercise.
Would I do it again?
You betcha!
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