The path has been opened for Chautauqua to trial in Melbourne this Friday in what shapes as a final attempt to resurrect his racing career.
Racing Victoria’s newly-appointed chairman of stewards, Robert Cram, confirmed on Tuesday that RV and Racing NSW had agreed that the currently-banned grey could trial at the Flemington jumpouts on Friday – one day before Racing NSW stewards had initially ruled he could be eligible to do so.
“We’ve had dialogue with Sydney and both parties are happy for that (trial) to take place a day early,” Cram said.
“If he nominates and goes around, we’ll be there to watch him.”
Chautauqua’s co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said on Racing.com’s After The Last on Monday that connections were certain to consider sending Chautauqua from Sydney to Melbourne for the trial.
Chautauqua is on a final chance to impress stewards that he can jump suitably from the barriers after numerous failed attempts in trials and jumpouts over the past few months.
But if the former world’s best sprinter comes to Melbourne and jumps from the gates to the satisfaction of stewards on Friday, he still must find a second official trial, and jump successfully, before stewards will consider passing him as a racing prospect.
Cram said the stable could apply to RV for Chautauqua to trial in between races.
“He has to pass two (trials) but there are no official trials scheduled on the calendar so there would have to be an official trial put on somewhere,” Cram confirmed.
– racing.com
