Paddock to Podium climbs past $300,000

Credits from Harness Racing New Zealand's latest breeding scheme have already topped $300,000.

The Paddock to Podium, which came into force on January 1, 2026, is all about incentivising breeders to reinvest and comes at a time when breeding numbers in this country are riding a high.

In the 2025/26 season there were 1670 individual mares served, a 6.3 per cent increase on the corresponding 12 months. It's the largest increase in 16 seasons.

The Paddock to Podium offers a 5% credit to the listed breeder of all prize money won by NZ-foaled 2YO - 6YO horses finishing first to fourth in all races in New Zealand, other than in Group and Listed races.

For Group and Listed races, $1000 will be split among the breeders of horses finishing 1st–5th.

These credits can be used directly against stallion service fees and semen transport costs. The total liability is estimated at $1.4m annually.

Credits must be used within the two full breeding seasons of the calendar racing year they were earned.

So far the total amount of credits accrued in 2026 is $307,419.

The HRNZ IT Department is currently building a platform where breeders can see their latest credit updates. This is expected to be available by early April.