Racing: Stakes status under threat at Wanganui

The $35,000 Wanganui Stakes on Saturday is likely to go ahead despite a disappointing entry, says Wanganui Jockey Club racing and marketing manager Mike O'Sullivan.

Ten entries had been lodged for the 1600m race when nominations closed yesterday and the club has decided to leave nominations open until this morning.

O'Sullivan said yesterday New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing's national racing bureau, which compiles nominations and acceptances, had told him that all 10 entries were very probable runners.

"At this stage, from what I understand from the bureau, they are all pretty convinced they are going to be here," O'Sullivan said.

"It [the race] wouldn't be in jeopardy, unless six pulled out tomorrow."

However, he admitted the number of entries was on the light side for a race of listed stakes stature.

"It is a little bit disappointing."

In the previous three years the race has averaged nine runners and O'Sullivan said it had been difficult to attract bigger numbers, partly because of the weight-for-age conditions.

"Weight-for-age at this time of the year is getting quite difficult."

Changing the weight-for-age conditions was not necessarily the answer, though.

"If you change the conditions, you possibly lose the status of the race. It's a catch 22 situation."

The race has been under warning of losing it stakes status from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing's graded stakes committee as had a number of other listed stakes races.

O'Sullivan said if the 10 entries all run, the race would still represent reasonable quality.

Among them is last month's Canterbury Gold Cup winner Balmuse, previous group one winner Zvezda, last week's Marton 1600 Handicap runner-up Woodbury Lane and the well-performed pair of British Ensign and Bulginbaah.

Also entered are previous race winners Betcha Wood and Reg.

"It's a good enough field as it stands," O'Sullivan said.

One race very much in jeopardy on Saturday is a $10,000 rating 92 event for fillies and mares. Only five horses have entered and nominations have been held over to today.

"If we get a few more we'll run it. But if not, it goes. We are not in the business of charity."

O'Sullivan said the Wanganui track was heavy.

A penetrometer reading taken yesterday morning was 4.9.

- NZPA