Decisions made on Next Gen's future

HRNZ's ownership initiative Next Gen will continue until 2027, but not beyond that.

The scheme was launched in December 2024 to attract new owners, support emerging trainers and showcase young stallions. Among its features were $5000 second start bonuses and a $50,000 bonus for the first eligible horses home in the three Harness Million 2YO races at Addington in October. In June this year Next Gen bonuses totalled $100,000 for the 2026 season.

Next Gen was established as a three-year initiative, with funding of $600,000 per annum.

With funding support for the scheme not continuing HRNZ has decided not to extend the programme into a third year.

"It has not been an easy decision but we have had to make some bold calls in light of our 2026/27 funding and this is one of them." says HRNZ's Head of Racing and  Wagering Matthew Peden.

Importantly, all commitments already made in respect of horses purchased through the 2025 and 2026 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales will be honoured and Next Gen incentives will remain in place for eligible two-year-olds racing in 2026 and 2027.

Beyond that, horses will not be eligible for bonuses. They include horses sold through the 2026 National Weanling Sale in June that would otherwise have been eligible as two-year-olds in 2028, and horses being prepared for the 2027 National Yearling Sale.

NZB Standardbred, who run the National Yearling and Weanling Sales, have been involved in discussions leading up to the decision.

“NZB Standardbred have played an important role in Next Gen over the past two years, and I appreciate their continued willingness to work closely with HRNZ as our priorities evolve,” says Peden. “TAB NZ’s investment gave us the opportunity to try something different and make a meaningful investment in ownership and young horses, and we’re very appreciative of their support."

All enquiries should be directed to : matthew.peden@hrnz.co.nz