Jewels format to stay the same

Any change to the current Harness Jewels format has been shut down by Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) CEO Edward Rennell.

As reported by Stuff's Matt Kermeen, Rennell was quick to make it clear that the mile starts and standard barrier draws were to remain, although a debrief will be held by HRNZ in the coming weeks.

Many trainers and drivers have called for the distance to be moved from 1609m to 1700m to increase the run into the first bend at both, Ashburton and Cambridge.

Cran Dalgety, who was successful with Donegal Bettergretch on the weekend, was a firm backer of the change in distance to allow those drawn wider, more distance to cross before booming into the first bend.

An extra 91m run in to the first bend could make all the difference for those that draw the outside of the front row, or even those that draw on the back row. It's no secret that draws are a major factor in any group race, but especially for the two tracks we hold the Jewels on, that extra run in could be the difference for some runners.

Preferential barrier draws, as well as not allowing Group 1 winners were other suggestions thrown around, but the Jewels is supposed to be the day where the stars of each age group clash. Both would take away from the day.

Thanks to the abandonment of several meetings in Australia on Saturday, all nine races were shown on Sky 1 in Australia.

While turnover numbers are yet to be known, there is no doubt that being able to showcase our top product on Sky 1 will have helped turn over, and helped the overall image of New Zealand Harness Racing in Australia.

While there were complaints from some people about the late notification of the change in race times, this was a small price to pay, compared to the exposure for our industry.

Cambridge Raceway and all the organizers should be congratulated for a smoothly run day and a outstanding night in the Club House. Having that venue available to gather a wide range of racing people from the lower South Island to Auckland is defiantly the highlight of the Cambridge Jewels.

Personally, this years Jewels was the best Jewels event I have been to and I can't wait to go back.

Andrew Fitzgerald.