Chautauqua runs second after slow start in Rosehill barrier trial
Chautauqua’s racing future remains unclear after the star sprinter failed to jump cleanly in a specially convened barrier trial at Rosehill on Saturday.
The eight-year-old, who has failed to jump in a number of trials since the autumn, once again remained flat-footed when the gates opened and while he did eventually leave the barriers to flash home for second, it may not be enough to gain a reprieve from stewards.
Zousain claimed the trial which took place between races three and four on the Rosehill card.
The Hawkes camp have tried everything in an attempt to turn around Chautauqua's barrier manners including enlisting the help of a thoroughbred behavourist.A closer look at the Grey Flashes jump in his @rosehillgardens trial. pic.twitter.com/JdqFRK6j2o
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 25, 2018
However Saturday's failure may prove to be the final straw, with Racing NSW stewards stating during the week that should the eight-year-old once again refuse to jump in an official trial, they would refuse nominations of the gelding from barrier trials and races.
Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel said a decision on Chautauqua's future would not be made on race day.
He said he would talk with senior trainer John Hawkes before he and his panel made a decision.
"We will talk to John Hawkes and consider matters and make a decision next week," he said.
On more than one occasion, stewards have ordered Chautauqua must trial twice to get his ticket to race with their latest ruling that any nominations for trials or races would be refused if he did not come good on Saturday.
Van Gestel said although he did not jump cleanly, they had to consider whether it was a refusal.
"He came out five or six lengths behind them which is not satisfactory so we have to consider whether we will let him have another trial," he said.
Chautauqua's record stands at 13 wins from 32 career starts, amassing just under $9 million in prizemoney.
The popular sprinter is a six-time Group One winner, including three straight victories in the TJ Smith Stakes.
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