Port Macquarie races cancelled over fires

NSW Racing has opted to play it safe as bushfires continue to burn across the state, cancelling Thursday's Port Macquarie race meeting.

Several fires are still burning on the NSW mid north coast, including two on the outskirts of Port Macquarie.

With road closures and "heavy smoke" in the area, stewards abandoned the seven-race program on Wednesday "for the safety and welfare of horses and participants".

Trainers who intended to take runners to Port Macquarie were granted an extension until 4pm to nominate for next week's Grafton and Taree meetings.