THE SUNSHINE COAST NEWSPAPER COLUMN: BROWNIE AND BUFF TO BE IMMORTALISED IN A BRONZE STATUE

By Graham Potter | Sunday, February 26, 2017

Graham Potter writes a weekly column for the Sunshine Coast daily. Due to demand from those having trouble accessing the paper these columns are now also published on HRO courtesy of the Sunshine Coast daily.

Not long ago Damian Brown would have thought you had lost your mind if you had suggested to him that he would one day be featured as part of a life size bronze statue that would stand in the forecourt of a new pavilion currently being completed in the infield of the Eagle Farm track.

It is now a fact that such a statue of Browne, depicting him aboard the mighty Buffering in full race action, will be commissioned by the Brisbane Racing Club ... thus immortalising a partnership that has given Queensland so much pleasure over such a long period of time.

The Sunshine Coast based Browne did have a brief association with Buffering earlier in the horse’s career, but from April 27, 2013 until October 21, 2016 Browne and Buffering were inseparable.

They raced twenty five times over that three-and-a-half year period during which time they saluted on nine occasions. Twenty two of those races were in Group 1 company.

There was that hot spot from October 25, 2013 to November 23, 2013 where the duo won three Group 1 races in less than thirty days. There was their breathtaking win against the odds when they won the Moir Stakes first-up after an injury enforced ten month layoff on October 2, 2015 and, of course, there was that magical moment when Browne and Buffering claimed international success in the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai on March 26, 2016.

These are just a few of the highlights of a partnership that helped carry Buffering to five successive Queensland Racehorse Of The Year Awards, to a total of seven Group 1 victories and to $7.3 million banked in prize-money.

There is already a Buffering Bar at Eagle Farm. The statue will take recognition of his achievements to a new level and will become a fitting, lasting, visual tribute to two champions and also, not to be forgotten, to the team behind the scenes who were instrumental in making it all happen.

Trainer Robert Heathcote, whose understanding of Buffering was the core component in the rise and longevity of his champion, and the horse’s owners, whose not so silent support was a feature of Buffering’s journey, will be proud as punch of this honour that is being bestowed on all associated with the horse.

It is well deserved.

Hi. My name is Kim Browne. I am the wife of Damian. Sometimes we don't realise how lucky we are and that is why Damian and I would love you to join us to help raise some much-needed money for Cooper, the bravest young man we know.

Over the next week I will be telling you the incredible story of all that Cooper has to endure in his eight years which will leave you in awe of his amazing strength, courage and will to live.

Cooper's family needs financial assistance. If you want to help right now you can go to www.gofundme.com/coopers-courage where you will be able to make a donation ... otherwise watch this space on Tuesday and Thursday where I will tell you more in the hope of gaining your support.

You can also contribute by supporting Cooper's Charity Race-day at the Sunshine Coast on April 2. To obtain tickets please call me on 0421827456

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