Racing: Fewer punters show up at Jewels

That is the wash-up from a Jewels meeting which provided many highlights on the track, but a slightly disappointing public response on Saturday.

Like Ashburton last year, the second running of the Jewels at Cambridge lacked the novelty of the first running there two years earlier and the walk-up crowd on Saturday was definitely smaller.

Balancing that the corporate areas were heavily patronised and the day appeared to go relatively smoothly, barring the TAB computer meltdown which forced the meeting back one race and cost the club turnover.

The Jewels at Cambridge is slightly handicapped by the fact Ellerslie host a major meeting the same day, meaning many Waikato thoroughbred enthusiasts, who would possibly attend the Jewels, are committed to Ellerslie.

That small concern aside, Harness Racing New Zealand boss Edward Rennell has indicated to the Herald the Jewels is likely to return to Cambridge in two years.

"The final decision on that won't be made for a while yet but I think the club did a really good job on Saturday," said Rennell.

"A lot of factors come into it but unofficially I would be surprised if they weren't back at Cambridge."

There are moves from inside the industry, and particularly the South Island to have the Jewels based permanently in Ashburton, which has a better track for racing miles on.

But it is also the worst spectator track in the country, rivalling Riccarton for distance from the horses.

With the Jewels being funded by nationwide harness racing funds, one island monopolising the raceday would seem unlikely, even in an industry as parochial as harness racing.

Funding is undoubtedly an issue which will be looked at, with the Jewels lacking any major sponsorship and having no acceptance fees to boost the kitty.

With HRNZ already trimming expenses after decreased turnovers in the past 18 months, Rennell is making no promises on stake levels being retained at the present level of $200,000 for pacers and $100,000 for trotters.

"Again, that is something which will be looked at in a few months but we are spending industry money and will be responsible with that.

"I am not saying there will be any stake reductions but if there was for even one year I think the event wouldn't lose much momentum if they raced for slightly less."

That would make the addition of an open aged race, like that held so successfully at the Australasian Breeders Crown, for the Jewels unlikely.

"I am not sure it would attract the level of open-class horses it deserved at this time of the year, so at this stage we don't have any plans to add one."

Meanwhile, Saturday's juvenile male pace winner Major Mark's season will be extended to take in the Australasian Breeders Crown at Melton in August.

Trainer Mark Purdon made the decision last night and the colt will stay in the north to contest an ABC heat at Cambridge in July 15.

He heads a strong team of New Zealand's best youngsters who will attack races across Queensland and Victoria in the next two months.

That starts this Friday, with Jewels runner-up Kahdon contesting the A$50,000 Victoria Trotting Oaks at Melton before joining local trainer Craig Demmler for two months.

Jewel's Return

*The Harness Jewels looks certain to return to Cambridge but the series could face a reduction in stakes.

*Harness Racing NZ bosses were happy with Saturday's meeting, even though the crowd was slightly down on two years earlier.

*However, stake levels for the series are not yet set in stone.

*Juvenile winner Major Mark is confirmed for the Australasian Breeders Crown.