Curtains for Chautauqua as champ stays in gates in Valley barrier trial

BARRIER bandit Chautauqua’s career is done and dusted after the champion refused to exit the gates in a seven-horse barrier trial specially staged at Moonee Valley.

Trainers of Chautauqua, Wayne, John and Michael Hawkes before his failed trial.

CHAUTAUQUA’s glittering career is over after the quirky star failed a pivotal barrier trial at The Valley.

Needing to jump with the field to secure clearance from Racing Victoria stewards to resume his stalled career, the moody grey stood motionless when the barriers opened.

His failure to leave the machines means the “Grey Flash” has run his last race after earning more than $8 million and winning six Group 1s.

Senior part-owner Rupert Legh confirmed the Chautauqua has run his last race.

Jockey Tommy Berry was shattered as he returned to the mounting yard as six rivals completed the trial.

“Gutted mate, to be honest to be trotting around the gates, he didn’t give me much of a feel, he wasn’t really interested,” Berry said.

Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes was rueful but unsurprised after the world’s former No. 1 sprinter refused to jump.

Well done, champ: Outgoing Chautauqua receives a huge applause after failing to jump in a barrier trial.

“The bottom line is he is what he is, what do you do?,” Wayne Hawkes said.

“And guess what, he doesn’t want to do it any more.

“He’s too good for us.

“It didn’t surprise me. It’s disappointing he didn’t jump but he’s been one of the greatest of the great.”

Six G1s, in two countries. If this is the end old boy, thanks for the memories. You’ve been a marvel. #Chautauqua @HawkesRacing @TommyBerry21 @superracing @TheValley pic.twitter.com/pCg3CzRwdY

— Inglis (@inglis_sales) September 28, 2018

I'm glad #Chautauqua was a smart enough horse to know when it'd had enough. An incredible beast.

— Higgo (@Higgo74) September 28, 2018

#Chautauqua Been an absolute pleasure watching you race. Know the feeling well of enough is enough & cant be bothered. May you have a great retirement,You have given racing fans many fantastic memories of your great wins. Indeed a Champ of the Track 😀

— horseloversracinnuts (@loveracehorses1) September 28, 2018

I just want to thank @HawkesRacing & the connections of Chautauqua for letting me be apart of this Champions carrier. Thank you to all of his supporters that saw him off tonight it was a moment I will never forget. To the champ him self it's been a pleasure!! Will Miss You #⚡️

— Tommy Berry (@TommyBerry21) September 28, 2018

Chautauqua was back at The Valley for the first time since his controversial pre-race scratching last spring.

Many believe the former world No. 1 sprinter’s aversion to stepping with the field from the gates stemmed from his scratching last year.

Team Hawkes hoped Chautauqua had cured his barrier blues after last week starting cleanly in a low-key Flemington trial.

Wayne, John and Michael Hawkes before Chautauqua’s failed trial attempt. Picture: AAP

But, watched by a large crowd at the traditional AFL Grand Final eve meeting, Chautauqau was up to his old tricks.

Since last starting in the Darley Classic almost a year ago, the mercurial speedster has now failed in seven different trials or jumpouts.

A wave from @TommyBerry21 and a cheer of applause for Chautauqua as he comes off the track 💛 pic.twitter.com/UCJUfMv1lo

— TheValley Racecourse (@TheValley) September 28, 2018

Oh #Chautauqua - how much do we all love this naughty, handsome boy? What a legend - he'll be talked about for years to come - may he have a long and happy life. #Legend #Champion

— Robyn McPhee (@woofrobyn) September 28, 2018

#Chautauqua! An incredible animal. I’ll never forget this race. Took my breath away watching this live! The grey flash says it’s time 😢 https://t.co/VjeF3Ab1AQ

— Kristen Fahd (@KristenFahd) September 28, 2018

Can you believe it!?

Chautauqua isn't going anywhere. pic.twitter.com/kLSqlrAOPi

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 28, 2018

Chautauqua needed to jump away cleanly in successive trials to secure a clearance to race again.

Until his latest mishap, he was under consideration for the 12th and final slot in the $13 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 13.

Those plans are doomed — and his career is over.

At best, he will be spelled before Team Hawkes again tries to cure his manners, but there is probably no way back from this.

Chautauqua had been schooled in private by a mysterious horse whisperer identified only as “Mr Q.”

Progress was encouraging — until tonight.