Progress report : The HRNZ Ratings, Handicapping and Programming Monitoring Group

Three key areas have been pinpointed as the next priorities for the newly-established HRNZ Ratings, Handicapping and Programming Monitoring Group.

The Group was established to provide independent oversight of the new ratings and handicapping framework implemented on June 30, 2025.

Just recently the Group's Interim Report to September 30, 2025 was accepted by the Harness Racing New Zealand Board and also shared with the Trainers and Drivers Association  and with the National Forum.

To see details of that report click here

Now the Group is moving onto its next phase, with focus on three areas :

- The impact on horses entering the system at R40 following their maiden win, and whether this starting point is achieving the intended outcomes.

- The effect of elite horses returning to rating races after competing in Group and Feature Races or Series, and any influence this may have on competitive balance.

- The broader system impacts of increased field sizes through the spring and summer period, most notably in Canterbury, where larger fields are more common and further emphasised by the dynamics of grass track racing.

The Group is expected to release its next report in the first quarter of 2026.