Fields Nominations Results

FAQs and Resources

Next Gen FAQs

1. How is Next Gen funded?

HRNZ is very proud to be working alongside partners TAB NZ and NZB Standardbred in fully funding this scheme. Funding has been secured for the next three years. These partnerships underline our collective commitment to growing harness racing in New Zealand.

2. Who will administer the Next Gen scheme?

The scheme will be run by HRNZ, which will be responsible for all eligibility enquiries, administration, payments, and more. HRNZ's Head of Racing and Wagering, Matthew Peden, will be the first point of contact for any queries. You can reach him at [email protected].

3. Do you need to pre-register for the scheme, and if so, how?

It is preferred to have people pre-register their interest. However, if you have bought a yearling, you can contact HRNZ after the sale, and as long as the eligibility criteria are met, you can be part of the Next Gen scheme. To pre-register, you can register your interest here to be included in Next Gen emails and stay updated.

4. Where do you get more information?

This dedicated Next Gen hub will have regular updates, along with HRNZ's social media channels. HRNZ will also be on site at the sales, as well as at Alexandra Park on 14th February and Motukarara on 16th February. We will also have a presence at the Canterbury Farm Tours on 3rd and 4th February. You can register your interest here to be included in Next Gen emails and stay updated.

5. How long are horses involved in Next Gen?

Horses bought at the sales will only be eligible for Next Gen during their 2YO seasons. This focus ensures that opportunities are created early in their racing careers to maximize the impact for owners and trainers.

6. Do you need to have an ownership group or a trainer in place before you buy a yearling at the sales?

No, you can buy a yearling and sort out those logistics later. This flexibility ensures anyone can participate, even if you’re new to the sport. As long as the criteria are met before the horse races, it will be Next Gen eligible.

7. How does the criteria work to be Next Gen eligible?

To qualify, horses must:

  • Be purchased at the 2025 NZB National Standardbred Yearling Sales.

  • Meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • Be owned by a Next Gen ownership group (30%+ new or young owners).

    • Be trained by a non-Group 1-winning trainer.

    • Be sired by a stallion in his first three New Zealand crops.

8. How can you tell if a horse is by a Next Gen eligible sire?

At the sales, all Next Gen-sired horses will have a special sticker on them alerting prospective buyers. NZB will also make people aware at the time the horse goes through the sales ring. HRNZ has also released a catalogue highlighting yearlings by Next Gen-eligible sires. You can request a copy by contacting the HRNZ office or via this link: 2025 Next Gen Sired Yearlings. The catalogue will also be available from Cambridge Raceway, Alexandra Park, Addington Raceway, NZB Standardbred, and Southern Harness.

9. What does success look like for this scheme?

Success means creating excitement about new ownership and racing opportunities, fostering collaboration, and ensuring harness racing thrives for generations to come. We also want yearling buyers to place their horses with emerging trainers, creating opportunities for those building their careers. From an ownership and training perspective, it’s all about widening the net and providing more opportunities for everyone.

10. Is this a one-off, and can you imagine the scheme becoming a regular feature of the NZB Sales?

Our intention is for this to become a long-term scheme that will see new owners get involved in the sport. While funding has been secured for the next three years, we view 2025 as the beginning of something very positive for the sport. Future updates and expansions of the scheme will be considered based on its success and participant feedback.

 

Next Gen