Reminder : Next Gen

Trainers and owners have just over two months to ensure their eligibility for Next Gen.

Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) must be notified of eligible trainers and ownership groups by October 1, 2026.

To be Next Gen eligible a trainer cannot have trained a Group 1 winner, as of January 1, 2026.

Eligible ownership groups must have at least four members and include at least 30% of members who are first-time HRNZ owners or individuals under the age of 40.

The Next Gen scheme includes a $5000 second start bonus for all eligible 2YOs.

It is limited to the first 90 horses that qualify with a total payout of $450,000 per annum.

There is also a $50,000 bonus to the first Next Gen horse across the line in each of the three Harness Million 2YO races.

To find out more about Next Gen click here