Michael Hawkes epotimises the pinnacle of racing success in Australia, yet the soft spoken, self-effacing man is endearing in his visible affection and protectiveness for the mighty Chautauqua. Although the telephone interview had some initial technical difficulties, eventually the conversation started flowing. As Hawkes opened up, I realized how warm and easy-going the leading trainer was in person. For him, everything revolved around the well-being of his charge and no fish was too small for this big trainer.
Q: Firstly, congratulations on Chautauqua crossing the first barrier trial and of course on seeing him do well. We were all a bit concerned over the last few months. But you and your team have shown singular patience. What is it about Chautauqua which inspires that patience in you? Someone else would have given up long ago.
A: Well right now we are taking all the small fish we can. When you are dealing with such an incredible horse like Chautauqua, a horse which has had just 34 starts in his career, a horse who has the will to beat the system, you have to have patience. We are known as a patient stable and patience gets results. Why he didn’t jump out when he was supposed to, we just don’t know. He has a mind of his own and he is a very quirky horse. When he doesn’t want to do something, he won’t do it. When you see him run, you know that the international Group One winner hasn’t packed up yet. When he is really had enough, he will let us now. Until then, we have been persistent with him.
Q: Has there been any change to his routine or his training or the last few months?
A: Chautauqua likes routine. He doesn’t like change. He likes his own pattern. For example, whether in Sydney or Melbourne, his work rider, travels with him. It’s the same girl. She knows him and is able to get the best results from him.
Another example is every day at 4:00 p.m. he goes on the water walker. So every day at 4:00 p.m. he will be ready to head down to the machine. He knows exactly what is wrong and what is right. End of story.
Q: After the races, does he contend to receive special treatment because he is the ‘Gray Flash’?
A: At our stables every horse gets individual attention but not special attention. They are all treated equally. Many of our horses rise to the top but they have all been spaced so they perform at their optimum potential.
Q: How is Chautauqua doing now?
A: He looks good. He is back from a spell. After his last attempt, we felt he needed a break so sent for a spell. He has lost some weight and he really looks good. His eyes shine brightly. And we know from that, the ‘Harry Houdini of the racing world’ hasn’t finished yet.
Q: Has he gone into training for The Everest? Are there any big races before the Everest which he will participate in as a lead-up? What is the plan for him after the Everest?
A: We are not going to get ahead of ourselves. We plan to take it one small step at a time. He is back in a trial in Sydney on Monday. If that goes well, he will then go on to race in the Missile Stakes at Randwick. Depending on where he leads us, we will attempt a few lead up races before The Everest. There are plenty to choose from. We are focusing on the small fish, one at a time. The rest will take care of itself.
If he leads us to The Everest, there is a slot waiting for him.
Published In EverestDiaries Issue 3, Vol 2
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Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com