BUZZ RETIRED
Our Cesarewitch & Ascot Hurdle star, Buzz who recovered so remarkably from a pelvis fracture last year, has been retired.
It was a massive achievement getting Buzz back on the racecourse last week after a year and a half off. He was eased down after getting tired in heavy ground and although he was fine after the run he was lame and sore after the next day. It was a muscular lameness which flared up as a result of reusing muscles he hasn’t used for such a long time. We have discussed with Buzz vet Dave Matheson and have agreed that persevering with Buzz in training would be very tough on him as even though he is fit, well and enjoying his training, he does put so much into his work and his racing that he may always be a bit lame and sore afterwards.
Therefore we have made the bittersweet decision to retire Buzz from racing.
Buzz brought Thurloe on the most unbelievable journey from day 1, throwing his all into every race he competed in. He won 5 times for us including the mighty victory in the Cesarewitch followed by the Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle which quickly turned him into such a popular horse. He tried in everything he was asked to do, with massive performances in some of the best races from the Betfair Hurdle to the runner up effort in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle.
He was riding on a crest of a wave at the end of 2021- favourite for the 2021 Long Walk Hurdle and vying for antepost favouritism for the Stayers’ Hurdle before the pelvis fracture in late December.
His constitution, strength of character and the love and devotion of everyone around him got him through the injury and back to full recovery. His story has been amazing and it has humbled us as to how many people have loved following his journey back to full fitness and simply asked wherever we go’ “how’s buzz”?
It was always going to be a huge achievement to get him back onto the track and we are so grateful for all of those who have been part of the process from Nicky Henderson and everyone at Seven Barrows, Dave Matheson, Charlie & Tracy Vigors at Hillwood Stud, Greta Mason & Matt Buckland and of course Reggie Pallas who has been devoted to him as his work rider and loyal partner from day 1.
Buzz character has made him a horse to follow but the fact that he has contributed to raising upwards of £150,000 alongside his fellow syndicate horse, Achelois, for our charity endeavours, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, has made it even more special.
We are delighted that Buzz will retire with a happy and long life ahead of him with Reggie who will be able to have him himself. He will have a summer off now and hopefully there will be plenty of wonderful adventures for him and Reggie to discover in their next chapter together. He has been a joy for us in every way to own and we are so happy he can have a long and healthy retirement.
Thank you for the memories Buzz, you are, and always will be, a horse of a lifetime 🐝
