Buffalo River: Back in familiar hands

Trained by Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson at Ballymore Stables, Buffalo River retired sound after 60 starts, nine wins and more than $1.4 million in prizemoney. His career highlights included two Group 3 Moonga Stakes victories and the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes. He also placed at Group 1 level in the Toorak Handicap, C.F. Orr Stakes and Futurity Stakes.

A son of Noble Mission, ‘Buffy’ was imported to Australia in 2019 and quickly made a name for himself as a leader who could test even the best at Group level. Although he became harder to place competitively due to his high rating, he remained enthusiastic until the end, leading the field at Flemington in his final start on Black Caviar Lightning Day earlier this year before tiring late.

Jockey Celine Gaudray, who rode him to several of his feature wins, didn’t hesitate when the opportunity came to take the nine-year-old home.

“He’s always had a special spot in my heart,” she said. “He gave me my first Black Type win and my first Group 3. He’s a real character with a big personality.”

Since his arrival at her property, Buffalo River has been spelling and – in true retired champion fashion – babysitting a young foal. “He’s just chilling with my filly, enjoying paddock life,” Gaudray says. “He wasn’t the easiest horse to ride in training. He actually didn’t do much trackwork because he used to bolt, so he spent more time on the treadmill.”

After a well-earned break, Gaudray hopes to transition him into the Off The Track showjumping series. “The plan is to show him, but I won’t push him into jumping unless he wants to,” she says. “If that’s not his thing, we’ll find something else.”

Gaudray knows what it takes to bring out the best in a horse. Growing up on a farm, she loved sports, but only started riding at 14 after seeing a school friend have horse riding lessons. She was also spurred on by a challenge from her dad, who promised her a pony if she could stay on it. She did, and never looked back. After gaining experience through connections in racing, she entered the apprentice jockey program and graduated last year. She now juggles race riding, trials, jumpouts and equestrian work, and rides regularly for Ciaron Maher and Lindsay Park.

“I’d love to win the Melbourne Cup,” she says, “but honestly, I’d be thrilled with any feature race or Group 1.”

For now, she’s enjoying a short holiday and preparing for spring, while Buffy enjoys the quiet comforts of retirement – green paddocks, good company, and the steady presence of the rider who believed in him from the start.