Chautauqua fate in the balance
CHAUTAUQUA didn’t jump with the field again — but he nearly won the barrier trial.
In a sense, it was the worst possible result because the world’s former best sprinter teased us all again.
The barrier trial had created unprecedented interest with most punters on track at Rosehill — and many more around the nation tuning on Sky Racing either at home or in pubs and clubs.
Chautauqua has developed a frustrating habit this year of standing in his stall when the barriers open in barrier trials and jump-outs. Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel had indicated if Chautauqua again refused to jump yesterday, then future nominations would be rejected.
But as Van Gestel pointed out, Chautauqua did come out of the barriers, albeit about five lengths behind the field.
The champion caught up on the turn and finished strongly wide out to be beaten narrowly by Zousain.
So, what do the stewards do now? Did Chautauqua do enough to be given yet another chance? Will Team Hawkes and the owners want to go through all this again?
Van Gestel interviewed jockey Tommy Berry after the trial but was no closer to making a call.
“We will interview (trainer) John Hawkes next week and weigh everything up before making a decision,’’ Van Gestel said. “We won’t be making any announcement on raceday.’’
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes also declined to comment before he talked with all of Chautauqua’s owners.
Berry couldn’t mask his disappointment after the trial.
“Chautauqua has got out of the barriers, which is nice, but it still isn’t good enough,’’ Berry said. “He missed the start by a margin that was just too much.’’