Chautauqua’s racing future in jeopardy

The racing future of former champion sprinter Chautauqua is in jeopardy after he again refused to jump in a barrier trial at Rosehill.

Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel says he will talk to connections later on Tuesday to discuss their intentions.

Van Gestel says stewards now have to consider whether to refuse nominations to race Chautauqua after his sixth offence at the barriers.

Managing part-owner Rupert Legh, visiting family in Colorado, said he was gutted when he heard Chautauqua had again failed to jump.

He said Chautauqua had done everything right since refusing to jump in a Rosehill trial on July 23 and that the gelding’s head was in the right space.

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Legh said the future of Chautauqua would be discussed when he and trainers John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes had fully digested Tuesday’s trial.

“I’ve had a brief conversation with John but we’ll talk later on when the emotion comes out of it,” Legh told SEN1116.

“It’s all still a bit raw at this stage.”

Chautauqua eventually came out of the barriers, finishing last of the 10 runners, more than 90 lengths behind the winner Auchentoman.

Racing NSW starter Dale Jeffs said he thought Chautauqua was going to jump when he lunged forward as the gates opened.

Jeffs said Chautauqua eventually left the gates on his own accord, an improvement on previous occasions when barrier attendants have had to lead him out.