After an inspection of the Steeplechase course at Hastings involving the Hawke’s Bay Racing CEO, Hawke’s Bay Racing Track Manager and local jumping trainer Paul Nelson, the Open Entry Steeplechase 4000m programmed for Hastings on Wednesday May 22^nd has been abandoned. The Steeplechase track is currently rated a Fast1 and with less than 5mm of rain forecast in the next 10 days that is unlikely to change. The corer has been put through the track where the jumps are positioned but this hasn’t improved it enough to have confidence in the safety of horse and rider. By making this early decision affected horses can be redirected towards other Steeplechase events (including Waikato Steeplechase/Maiden Steeplechase at Te Rapa on May 18th). The Hurdle events on this programme will remain unchanged as they are run on the course proper that would currently provide a Dead4 rating. While acknowledging this will inconvenience some the decision has been made in the interests of safety for both horse and rider.