New Zealand’s home of harness racing Addington has joined forces with one of the biggest names in the racing industry as the major sponsor for their Harness Jewels.
IRT, one of the world’s largest and most respected horse transportation companies, have secured the naming rights for the first ever Jewels to be held at Addington on June 1.
Securing their key sponsor so early and to have it be a major industry player such as IRT is a huge win for Addington as their count down to their first Jewels meeting.
“Addington is delighted to have been given the opportunity to host the Harness Jewels for the first time.,” says new chief executive Brian Thompson.
“We are also excited Richard Cole and his team at IRT are the naming rights sponsor and are the overall principal partner of the Harness Jewels.
“IRT have been huge supporters of the industry for many years so it’s great to see the biggest global horse freighting company involved with such an iconic event.
”We can’t wait for the build-up and big day itself and we want to wish all involved good luck in the lead up to the IRT Harness Jewels.
“We are very much looking forward to hosting an outstanding day in conjunction with IRT and HRNZ.”
Richard Cole from IRT says he is thrilled that IRT New Zealand have become the naming rights sponsor and principal partner of the Jewels.
“It is fantastic to be able to continue IRT’s long standing support of the Standardbred market especially as a partner in a Harness Racing event of this magnitude,” said Cole.
“ And, as a helper of industry as a whole, IRT looks forward to continuing its ongoing support to help secure a bright future for an industry we all love so well.”
While the Jewels are always a huge day on the New Zealand racing calendar this year’s rendition could top all others.
Not only does the Jewels move to the home of harness racing in Addington but the early indications are the fields for the age group series of races could be the strongest ever.
The four-year-old division for one boasts the likes of Auckland Cup winner Turn It Up, Inter Dominion heat winners Spankem and Pats Delight, Auckland Cup placegetter Ashley Locaz and multiple country cups winner Funatthebeach.
And the three-year-old pacing filly division could bring together last season’s defending champion Princess Tiffany against Alexandra Park’s December fillies Triple Crown winner Belle Of Montana as many of the glamour division look to have more depth that ever before.
And after last season’s successful Australian raid on the Jewels at Cambridge, Addington and HRNZ officials are confident of another significant Australian contingent, further boasting interest across the Tasman in the day which hosts nine group one races.
IRT Harness Jewels Hospitality Tickets will go on sale from mid-February and the General Admission Tickets are available from Monday 1 April.