According to HRNZ, New Zealanders are breeding better quality horses.
While breeding numbers are slightly down, from around 2690 last year to 2520 this year, the breeding industry isn't in dire straits like many think.
The slight decline can be attributed to a major shift from breeders to produce a higher quality product, with a significant commercial value.
With sire fees going up, many breeders are cutting back their broodmare numbers to focus on better bred mares, who have shown ability on the track.
Leading sire Bettor's Delight served 289 mares this season, while Christian Cullen has dropped to just he 45 mares this season.
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The Shane Tritton trained 2yo High Rolling will not make the Harness Jewels trip.
While stablemate Arms Of An Angel ,Kevin Pizzuto trained Heza Bromac and the Craig Demmler trained My Kiwi Mate are the only confirmed Australian invites to the Cambridge Harness Jewels.
The focus has shifted to the trotting sections with HRNZ's Racing Manager Darrin
Williams working on several runners and awaiting responses.
The David Aiken trained 3yo trotter Princess Phoenix will not make the trip, although her stablemate Eljaykay Phoenix is still a chance of making the trip to complete against Monbet and Sunny Ruby in the 4yo Ruby.
Connections will sit down with the Aiken’s this afternoon to make a decision on their first jewels trip.
Andrew Fitzgerald