Bad habit threatens to leave star at gate

CHAUTAUQUA’S career is at the crossroads after the sprinter refused to jump in a barrier trial at Rosehill yesterday.

His owner thinks the “Grey Flash” may be missing his favourite jockey, Hong Kongbased hoop Tommy Berry.

The Team Hawkes-trained sprinter eventually left the barriers yesterday but finished many lengths behind.

It was the third time Chautauqua has missed the start in a barrier trial this preparation.

At Randwick last week, Chautauqua did not leave the barriers in a 1050m trial.

He was given a second chance in the next trial but again he refused to jump.

The rising eight-year-old, has had 32 starts for 13 wins but his bad barrier habit has only surfaced this preparation.

The winner of more than $8.8 million, Chautauqua will not be able to resume until he trials — twice — to the satisfaction of stewards, casting a cloud over his chances of winning a fourth Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 7.

Team Hawkes is hoping to have him resume in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on March 24.

Senior trainer John Hawkes said the star would head to Melbourne for a jumpout at Flemington next Friday.

“After consulting with RVL stewards, stewards have determined that should connections seek to have the requirement to barrier trial on two occasions lifted in Victoria, that Chautauqua could pass one of the two tests in a Victorian official jumpout which is observed by the stewards, consistent with the current practice in that state,” a NSW stewards release said.

Managing owner Rupert Legh is of the view the gelding is perhaps missing Berry, who is now based in Hong Kong.

“I have had Tommy on the phone and Tommy is desperate to get back on the horse,” Legh said.

“It might be one of those fairytale-type situations where there is a relationship between horse and jockey and he just wants the same jockey.

“I mentioned it to John (Hawkes) and he does not think that was the case, but it may well be.”