By Duane Ranger
Harness Racing Waikato was over the moon with the way Jewels Day 2016 unfolded. In fact HRW described the day as the best Jewels meeting it had ever hosted.
HRW president and Harness Racing New Zealand executive member Rob Lawson said the brilliant weather conditions in New Zealand and poor weather in Australia ensured a massive off-course turnover. It also meant the largest Australian TV audience for a Jewels meeting.
Jewels betting with the Australian TABs on June 4 was up over A$1million on last season, jumping from A$663,013 to a massive A$1,696,1467. On-course Turnover was $311,000 however that is a slightly misleading figure in that it includes inter-track betting.
That saw HRW even out-perform the Ellerslie and Wanganui thoroughbred meetings run at the same time, a result Australian harness racing bosses wouldn’t dare dream of in their country.
The skyrocketing turnover was enormously boosted by the Queensland Oaks meeting at Eagle Farm as well as other Australian gallops meetings being abandoned because of torrential rain, meaning the entire Jewels meeting moved to the premium Australian racing coverage channel, Sky1.
“The weather was spectacular. The Track outstanding and we received many favourable comments from the drivers about the state of the track. The Facilities were again presented in pristine condition which was a real credit to our grounds staff. The racing was of the highest order. We couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Lawson, a Waikato-based licensed trainer said.
“The Sky 1 exposure in Australia ended being a complete bonus that will benefit the entire industry going forward,” he added.
Lawson said HRW was pleased to be able to present to the entire harness industry a successful event that highlighted our great sport.
“We are yet to crunch all of the numbers but are confident that it will be a financial success with benefits flowing through all North Island harness participants. Our predominant staff in Kerry Wells and Mike Weston once again showed how capable they are in presenting an outstanding showcase of harness racing,” Lawson said
He said total domestic turnover was $2.442 million, which was the second highest in Jewels history.
“Export Turnover (Australians betting on the Jewels) was $1.7 million – the highest turnover in New Zealand harness racing history.
And in other HRW news, Lawson said former Auckland Trotting Club marketing and assistant racing manager, David Branch will join HRW on August 1 as Business Development Manager.
“David is returning from England especially for the job. We are excited to have on board someone of David’s capabilities and knowledge in our team. David’s prime task will be to grow the revenue earning opportunities of harness racing in the Waikato and surrounds, and push us into the future with regards to facilities, income, and entertainment.
“This is a fresh new additional position and will see David work alongside Kerry and Mike to project Cambridge Raceway and harness racing in the region into a new era.
Lawson said he was also excited that John Coulam has joined him on the HRNZ executive.
“I am delighted to have another HRW person on the Executive with me. It will strengthen the representation from this region and also John’s business acumen will be an asset to the Board,” Lawson said.
“Not to mention that he is a ‘good guy’ with a real passion for harness racing,” he added.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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