Buffering is retired after loss in Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley

QUEENSLAND idol Buffering has run his last race after fading out of the finish in Friday night’s Group 1 Manikato Stakes, won in a shock result by outsider Rebel Dane.

Queensland hero Buffering has been retired.

QUEENSLAND idol Buffering has run his last race after fading out of the finish in Friday night’s Group 1 Manikato Stakes, won in a shock result by outsider Rebel Dane.

Trainer Rob Heathcote said the $7million earner had been officially retired.

“I am sure it will hit me later and I did start to choke up on the television,” he said.

“I could see it in Damian’s (Browne) eyes. He just doesn’t have the fight anymore.

“I don’t think it’s sad. It’s a celebration of his career and I think it’s fitting he finished at Moonee Valley, the place where he won his first Group 1.”

Rebel Dane wins the Manikato Stakes on Friday night.

The World’s top rated sprinter Chautauqua was another flop, failing to make any impression and trainer John Hawkes could offer no excuses.

“He wasn’t good enough. Something is not right. That’s it, he’s going to the paddock,” Hawkes said.

For Rebel Dane, it was his first win since last September and his second Group 1 success at start number 21.

“Never give up,” jubilant trainer Gary Portelli said. “There’s hope for us all. I’m in shock at the moment.”

Queensland hero Buffering has been retired.

Portelli said he decided to roll the dice in the Manikato after looking at Rebel Dane’s closing sectionals behind Takedown at his previous start in Sydney.

“The only horse to get home quicker that day was Astern,” he said.

“I know it looked a task, but after that I thought we just had to have a go at this race. He’s run some great races at Moonee Valley and mixed it with the best here.”

Originally published as Buffering is retired after loss in Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley