Multiple Group 1 winner Chautauqua’s ban from racing has been extended until he passes two barrier tests after failing to jump with the rest of field in a star studded Rosehill barrier trial this morning.
Chautauqua, above, will have to pass two barrier tests before his racing embargo is lifted. Photo by Steve Hart.
Chautauqua was half way back to regaining his clearance to return to the race track after passing a barrier test in a Flemington jump out last Friday week but blew his chances when he stood flat footed in the starting gates again today.
Racing NSW Stewards had barred Chautauqua from racing and ordered that he pass two barrier tests after he failed to leave the barriers four times during his preparation for the 2018 Autumn Racing Carnival.
The Team Hawkes trained grey flash has been hit with the same embargo with the Racing NSW Stewards releasing the following statement.
“Racing NSW Stewards have given consideration to the requirement for Chautauqua to pass a barrier embargo, after again failing to jump from the barriers at the Rosehill Gardens barrier trials today.
“Co-trainer John Hawkes advised Stewards that no firm decision has been made in respect to the gelding’s racing future. He was advised that should a decision be made to continue to race the gelding, Racing NSW Stewards have determined that Chautauqua must barrier trial satisfactorily on two consecutive occasions prior to being permitted to race again.
“Mr Hawkes indicated that should connections decide to continue to race the gelding, Chautauqua may be transported to his Melbourne stable.
“After consulting with Racing Victoria Stewards and having regard to the frequency of official barrier trials in Victoria, 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 jump out which is observed by the Stewards, consistent with the current practice in that state. However, the remaining test must be in an official barrier trial.
“Mr Hawkes was advised that should Chautauqua fail to jump again, consideration may be given to whether the nominations of the gelding are accepted.”
Chautauqua will now head back to Melbourne and be given another chance to re-ignite his remarkable career that saw him win six times at Group 1 level which were included in his total of thirteen wins from thirty-two starts.
If Chautauqua does mend his barrier woes, the rising eight year old could get a late call up to fill a slot in the 2018 $13m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 13.
