Tentative date set for 2021 Harness Jewels at Cambridge - if enough cash can be found
By Barry Lichter • 18 August 2020
The Harness Jewels could yet be resurrected with a date already earmarked for a 2021 series to be held in Cambridge.
Chief executive Phil Holden has revealed that Harness Racing New Zealand’s board is keen to run the Jewels again, after it was scrapped at Cambridge this year because of COVID-19.
A provisional nine race card has been set down for Sunday, June 6.
“The board wants to continue to provide some aspirational events for the industry,” says Holden.
“However, the ability to run the Jewels hinges on there being enough capacity in both code and club funding to support the event.”
Holden says it is hoped to make a decision in the next five to six weeks.
If the event goes ahead, it will be with lower stakes than in previous years, he said.
Six pacing races for $150,000 each and three trotting races for $125,000 were held when the Jewels was last run at Addington in 2019.
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Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln La Moose
6.59pm
“His last race was a non-event - he got back and they walked and sprinted home so you can’t condemn him on that. His first-up run was a better guide. He’s going all right but he’s no superstar, just a good, honest little fella. It’s all about getting a trip with him so he’ll need a little luck from five.”
