The Australian national anthem was played across Sha Tin on Sunday following the stunning last to first victory of Chautauqua in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) in Hong Kong.

The Team Hawkes champion was sent out favourite against the best turf sprinters the world has assembled this year, including the holders of the Al Quoz Sprint, Breeders Cup Turf Sprint, Hong Kong Sprint, KrisFlyer Sprint and last year’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize winner.

Chautauqua (5g Encosta De Lago – Lovely Jubly by Lion Hunter) was slowly away and a hot pace upfront meant he was spotting the leaders a dozen lengths into the straight but the grey flash stunned racegoers with a storming finish.  “That was pretty special – I’m lost for words,” jockey Tommy Berry said.  “He really showed the world what he is made of today.”

The Chairman’s Sprint Prize cements Chautauqua’s position as the World’s Best Sprinter following his victories in the G1 Lightning Stakes and G1 T J Smith Stakes earlier this year.

Bred by Edwina Throsby, Chautauqua was offered at the 2012 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale where he failed to reach a $400,000 reserve when offered from the draft Berkeley Park Stud.  Sunday’s victory takes his earnings past $6.30 million.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes confirmed Royal Ascot plans for Chautauqua had been shelved.  He will instead head home to target the G1 Darley Stakes at Flemington in the spring before a possible return to Hong Kong in December for the International Sprint.

“He has got nothing to prove,” Hawkes said.  “He’s had four hard runs this year his well-being comes first.”

CHAUTAUQUA