Next Gen - the countdown is on

It's only a week to the NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales and HRNZ is here to answer any of your queries.

The Sales will kick off at Karaka in Auckland on Saturday, February 15 and then move to Christchurch for a day's selling on Tuesday, February 18.

In all there will be around 340 yearlings up for sale, including 70 from Next Gen sires.

The Next Gen - Own The Thrill concept is brand new in 2025. Complete with $600,000 in bonuses, it is a new ownership model devised by HRNZ to attract the "Next Gen" of owners and to showcase emerging stallions.

It must be emphasised though that every yearling at the sales is Next Gen eligible as long as other criteria are met.

They are that the horse is trained by a Next Gen trainer (non-Group 1 winning trainer as of January 1, 2025) OR is owned by a Next Gen ownership group, with at least 30% of members being first-time HRNZ owners or individuals born after 1984.

The Next Gen concept has prompted a lot of discussion since its release. There has been a lot of excitement but also some confusion.

So with just a week to go until the first Next Gen-sired yearlings go under the hammer anyone wanting further information or clarification should contact HRNZ's Head of Racing and Wagering Matthew Peden.

He can be contacted at matthew.peden@hrnz.co.nz

Footnote : For anyone at Karaka for the sales wanting transport to the races at Alexandra Park next Friday night (February 14)  there is a bus leaving the Double Tree Hilton at 4.15pm. It will return after the last race. There is still limited capacity  available. To book a seat contact cameron@hrnz.co.nz

To see more about Next Gen click here