Magnificent but mercurial sprinter Chautauqua retired after stalls flop
Chautauqua, known as the grey flash, has been retired after failing to leave the stalls in a specially arranged trial at Moonee Valley.
The six-time Group 1 winner was given one final lifeline to keep his racing career alive, but with Tommy Berry aboard from the 5f start the son of Encosta De Lago stayed put.
Berry took Chautauqua on a canter up the straight one last time as the fans trackside said goodbye.
Wayne Hawkes, who trains Chautauqua in association with his father John and brother Michael, said: "The bottom line is he is what he is. What do you do?
"We've done everything we can but if he doesn't want to do it then he doesn't want to do it and, guess what, he doesn't want to do it anymore."
He added: "He's too smart, he's too good for us."
for all the latest news from Australia and New Zealand
Published on inInternational
Last updated
Copy- Skyscraper betting and soaring turnover: Japan's mind-boggling racing experience and the unlikely hero who sparked the boom
- Oisin Murphy a man in demand as revitalised Summer Cup card gives South African racing a platform to build on
- Ben Cecil, Grade 1-winning trainer and nephew of Sir Henry, dies aged 56
- Oisin Murphy: 'Billy Loughnane is the most talented rider I have ever seen at his age'
- Turffontein Summer Cup: Oisin Murphy up against Michael Roberts-trained ace See It Again on first ride in South Africa
- Skyscraper betting and soaring turnover: Japan's mind-boggling racing experience and the unlikely hero who sparked the boom
- Oisin Murphy a man in demand as revitalised Summer Cup card gives South African racing a platform to build on
- Ben Cecil, Grade 1-winning trainer and nephew of Sir Henry, dies aged 56
- Oisin Murphy: 'Billy Loughnane is the most talented rider I have ever seen at his age'
- Turffontein Summer Cup: Oisin Murphy up against Michael Roberts-trained ace See It Again on first ride in South Africa