Harness Jewels Brings Over $3 Million To Waikato

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Race 3 - 3YO Diamond - winner Safin (wearing number 1) storms round the track at the 2008 Giltrap City Toyota Harness Jewels at Cambridge Raceway while a large crowd looks on. Photo: Trish Dunell.

18 August 2008

Media Release
For immediate use

HARNESS JEWELS BRINGS OVER $3 MILLION TO WAIKATO REGION

The 2008 Giltrap City Toyota Harness Jewels race meeting contributed more than $3.2 million to the Waikato economy, it was revealed in a report released today.

The economic impact report was commissioned by the New Zealand Racing Board for the 2008 Giltrap City Toyota Harness Jewels at Cambridge Raceway on 31 May 2008 (Queen’s Birthday Weekend).

“This economic impact study goes to show that the Harness Jewels is now a major event that has a huge impact on the local economy,” said Graeme Hansen, New Zealand Racing Board Chief Executive.

“The inaugural Harness Jewels event was only held last year and already it has succeeded in increasing the popularity of harness racing. This is now benefiting the host region, the racing industry and local businesses,” Mr Hansen said.

“We expect the event will have equally as positive an impact on the mid-Canterbury economy when it returns to its debut venue of Ashburton next year,” he added.

Waipa District Council Mayor Alan Livingston said the Harness Jewels at Cambridge had certainly met expectations and more.

"The host club, the Cambridge/Te Awamutu Trotting Club, did a fantastic job and the Harness Jewels provided a significant benefit to our region,” he said.

“Just as importantly, the event was hugely successful in promoting trotting to racing enthusiasts and the general public alike. Obviously with those outcomes, it’s an event we are definitely looking forward to hosting again in 2010.”

The economic impact report found that about half of the estimated 5,700 attendees to the 2008 Giltrap City Toyota Harness Jewels race meeting came from outside the Waikato region. The majority of visitors came from within the North Island, with a further 10 per cent of visitors travelling up from the South Island and 3 per cent from overseas.

This meant local hotels and motels were the winners with 60 per cent of visiting race goers staying in commercial accommodation during their visit to the region. This equated to a total spend of about $175,000 and generated in excess of 1,400 bed nights.

The Harness Jewels, which is the only raceday in New Zealand with every stake over $100,000, is held annually on Queens Birthday Weekend and alternates between venues in the North and South Island.

The economic impact study released today was undertaken by Melbourne-based IER (Aus) Pty.

ENDS

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