Chautauqua Is at a Crossroads
Chautauqua’s venerable racing career is at a crossroads, after the grumpy Grey again refused to jump away with the field at the Rosehill Gardens barrier trial on Thursday.
This is the third time that Chautauqua has missed a barrier trial start this preparation, and this has prompted Team Hawkes to send the champion sprinter through to Melbourne. They are hoping that a change of scenery will provide a solution to the gelding’s sudden barrier problems.
The Eccentric Grey Flash
Chautauqua, nicknamed The Grey Flash, is known to be an idiosyncratic animal around the stables, but his sudden issues with the barrier are totally out of character for such an experienced racehorse.
John Hawkes, the Hall of Famer who, in partnership with his sons Wayne and Michael, co-trains Chautauqua, is an expert horseman, who has seemingly seen and done it all over the course of his storied career -but even he is scratching his head about Chautauqua!
Not a Lot to Say
Hawkes was unwilling to comment, confirming only that Chautauqua will be going out to Melbourne, and will have a jump-out there on Friday, March 16th. Chautauqua will need to trial twice to the stewards’ satisfaction, in a jump out and a formal barrier trial, before he will be allowed to race again.
Team Hawkes is fervently hoping to have Chautauqua finally ready to resume his racing career in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes, set to take place at Moonee Valley on the 24th of March.
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