Buffering the race horse

Eagle Farm, Brisbane, QLD

To commemorate the deeds of the $7 million earning, seven-time Group 1 winner Buffering, Brisbane Racing Club commissioned Gillie and Marc to create a life-size statue of the legendary race horse. The statue stands at the front of the new infield entrance to Eagle Farm.

Heathcote said he believed Buffering’s never-say-die attitude was the reason the public took him to heart. “Australians love an underdog and he had all the qualities of a great fighter. He would get knocked down but he would get back up again,” he said. “And he did it in an era of sprinting greats.”

BRC Chairman Neville Bell said in the 152 years of Eagle Farm this was the first time a full-size statue had been unveiled. “From day one of this club it was always the plan to have a significant statue at Eagle Farm and we couldn’t think of a better opportunity than with Buffering,” he said. “He was a great ambassador for racing in Queensland and for the Brisbane Racing Club.”