The speedy grey Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}), twice Australia's champion sprinter, refused to jump from the stalls in the third and fourth heats of the Royal Randwick barrier trials on Tuesday, Racenet.com.au reported. The six-time Group 1 winner, pointing toward a title defence in the G1 T.J. Smith S., appeared all set to go in the 1050-metre third trial, but refused to leave the barriers, as GSW Houtzen (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) covered the distance in 1:03.15.
“Now, where's Chautauqua,” remarked race caller Mitch Manners on Sky Racing. “He didn't leave the stalls. Unbelievable.”
Despite his first refusal, the Hawkes Racing trainee was allowed another shot in the fourth heat over the same trip. Once again, he refused, although implored by pilot Brenton Avdulla, as Conquest (Aus) (Uncle Mo) scored in 1:02.23.
“They're away and he's stayed in the stalls again,” Manners said.
Chautauqua has now been barred from racing, but he would be cleared if he trails once to the stewards' satisfaction. The next Sydney trials are on Mar. 5 at Rosehill.
“I've spoken to Dale Jeffs [starter] and to stewards and there is no particular reason as to why he didn't jump,” said Chief Steward Marc Van Gestel. “He was afforded his opportunity both times. He just refused to jump. He's officially barred and needs to go back to the trials before we'll clear him to race again. One trial will clear him at this point in time, but we'll monitor his next trial and assess it after that.”
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