Chautauqua A Hit
In Honkers But To Miss Ascot

What a win by the Hawkes trained Chautauqua in the Group One Chairman’s Sprint at Sha Tin - and what a ride by Tommy Berry. The 5 year old gelding was even slower to leave the gates than usual and was two lengths last as the field settled in the run. Chautauqua was still a clear last with 250 metres to go but Berry held his nerve and rode with supreme confidence.

If you look at the video of the race, the horse does not even enter the frame until the 200 metre mark but from that point there is no mistaking the grey’s trademark finishing burst down the outside. So fast did Chautauqua get home that Berry had the race won in a matter of strides and actually sat up on the horse as they passed the post. 

Despite the decisive victory and big bonuses on offer if Chautauqua went on to win in England, the horse will not be heading to Ascot. Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said the decision not to go to England had been made in the best interests of the horse. You can view the video of Chautauqua’s amazing win here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDDWL68X75A

 
                                   Aussieraces.com  May 2016