The two feature jumping races programmed for Hastings on Saturday are in danger of being cancelled.
The meeting was to have been highlighted by the $15,000 Hawkes Bay Hurdles (3100m) and the $20,000 Hawkes Bay Steeplechase (4800m) but nominations for both races are light.
Last night there were seven nominations for the hurdles and six for the steeplechase.
John McGifford of Hawkes Bay Racing said he would want a virtual guarantee of three placing dividends before either field was confirmed when acceptances close this morning.
McGifford believed a dearth of jumpers in the central districts and the reluctance of Ann Brown to travel with her horses while her husband Ken remained seriously ill had combined to create the poor entries.
No horses from the Browne stable had been entered at Hastings.
The Manawatu Racing Club struck a similar problem for its jumps features.
The $12,000 Awapuni Hurdles (2800m), won by Stacey Jones, had seven runners and the $15,000 Manawatu Steeplechase (4400m), won by Silver Archer, six.
- NZPA
Racing: Jumping features shaky
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