The autumn carnival of star sprinter Chautauqua is up in the air after the multiple Group I-winning sprinter refused to leave the barriers in two separate barrier trials.
The Hawkes Racing-trained speedster was set to contest a star-studded third heat but to the surprise of race caller Mitch Manners, he didn't leave the barrier stalls.
"Now where's Chautauqua? He didn't leave the stalls. Unbelievable," Manners said in his call on Sky Racing.
The trial was won by Queensland three-year-oldHoutzen, defeatingHappy Clapperby 1-3/4 lengths with Ravi a neck back in third.
Stewards then allowed Chautauqua to have a second chance, and the grey gelding lined up in the fourth heat but again when the starter let them go – Chautauqua had chosen not to take part despite the urgings of his jockeyBrenton Avdulla.
"They're away and he's stayed in the stalls again," Manners said.
Chief steward Marc Van Gestel said an embargo has been placed against Chautauqua but he would be cleared to return to the races if he trials once to the stewards satisfaction. The next set of Sydney trials is next Monday at Chautauqua's home track atRosehill.
"I've spoken to Dale Jeffs (starter) and to stewards and there is no particular reason as to why he didn't jump," Van Gestel said.
"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."
Chautauqua's main autumn goal is his defence of his TJ Smith Stakes title. The seven-year-old has won the past three editions of Sydney's premier Group I weight-for-age sprint.
Click hereto watch Chautauqua refuse to leave the stalls in trials three and four atRandwickon Tuesday. Vision is courtesy of Sky Racing and Racing NSW.
