Chautauqua

Sharky

What We Love

Sharky has been a wonderful addition to the Living Legends family, he is always on the lookout for a carrot and never shy about charming guests on our tours! His striking grey coat and calm presence makes him a beautiful complement to our current trio of other greys. True to his racing days, Sharky still moves at his own pace — with all the confidence and personality that made him a fan favourite. He’s taken well to retirement, often seen lounging in the sun or playing with his new best mate, Tom Melbourne. The two are rarely far apart, and their playful antics never fail to bring a smile to visitors and staff alike. Gentle, charismatic, and full of character, it’s a joy to see such a legendary sprinter enjoying the quiet life — still full of spark, but now with plenty of time for snacks and naps.

Gallery & Videos

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Chautauqua is a retired Australian-bred Thoroughbred who thrilled racing fans with his electrifying finishing bursts and unforgettable comebacks. Trained by the Hawkes Racing team and owned by a group of passionate connections, Chautauqua became a cult hero thanks to his dramatic running style and elite performances.

His crowning achievements came with three consecutive wins in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (2015–2017), a feat unmatched in the race’s history. Over his 32-start career, Chautauqua recorded 7 Group 1 victories, amassing 13 wins and over $8.8 million in prize money.

Late in his career, however, Chautauqua made headlines for refusing to jump from the barriers in multiple trials, an issue that ultimately led to his retirement. Despite this unusual end to his racing days, he remains one of Australia’s most beloved and enigmatic sprinters, remembered for his thrilling late surges and charismatic presence

About Me

Chautauqua

Date of Birth: 20/09/2010

Colour: Grey

Breeding

Sire: Encosta de Lago Dam: Lovely Jubly

Racing Colours

midnight blue base colour with yellow arm bands, flash and hat.

Career Highlights

Date Venue Track Distance Race 1/4/2017 Randwick Good 1200m TJ Smith Stakes 1/5/2016 Sha Tin Good 1200m Chairman’s Sprint Prize 2/4/2016 Randwick Soft6 1200m TJ Smith Stakes 20/2/2016 Flemington Good3 1000m Black Caviar Lightning Stakes 23/10/2015 Moonee Valley Good4 1200m William Hill Manikato Stakes 4/10/2015 Flemington Good3 1200m Gilgai Stakes 5/9/2015 Moonee Valley Good4 1000m Mitty’s McEwen Stakes 6/4/2015 Randwick Heavy9 1200m TJ Smith Stakes 14/2/2015 Caulfield Good3 1100m Schweppes Rubiton Stakes 4/10/2014 Flemington Good3 1200m Gilgai Stakes 13/9/2014 Flemington Good3 1200m Bobbie Lewis Quality 3/5/2014 Hawkesbury Good4 1400m Hawkesbury Guineas 31/3/2014 Rosehill Heavy10 900m 3YO C&G OPEN TRIAL 13/3/2014 Geelong Good4 1130m Nz Bloodstock 3yo Maiden Plate