Fields Nominations Results

Eligibility and Getting Started

Your pathway to unlocking Next Gen bonuses and opportunities begins here. Whether you're a trainer, owner, or syndicate manager, Next Gen provides clear steps to get involved and reap the rewards.

Why Next Gen Works for You

Next Gen is designed to help trainers, owners, and syndicate managers grow their businesses while supporting the next generation of harness racing. With over $600,000 in bonuses and new opportunities to connect with aspiring owners, this initiative gives you the tools to succeed.

How to Qualify for Next Gen

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Next Gen bonuses and rewards, your horse must meet the following requirements:

  1. Purchase Requirement:

    • The horse must be purchased at the 2026 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales.

  2. Additional Criteria:

    • Horses must meet one of the following:

      • Trainer: Be trained by a Next Gen trainer (non Group 1 winning trainer as at January 1, 2026).

      • Ownership Group: Have at least 4 members and include at least 30% of members who are first-time HRNZ owners or individuals born after 1985.

      • Sire Eligibility: Be sired by a stallion in his first three New Zealand or Australian crops. Eligible sires are:

  • Bettor's Wish
  • Bird Parker
  • Bold Eagle
  • Bulldog Hanover
  • Capt Midnight
  • Dancinginthedark M
  • E L Titan
  • Ecurie D
  • Elite Stride
  • Face Time Bourbon
  • Habibi Inta
  • Hunstville
  • King Of Swing
  • King Of The North
  • On A Streak
  • Pebble Beach
  • Perfect Sting
  • Propulsion
  • Tall Dark Stranger
  • Timoko
  • Ultimate Sniper
  • Village Mystic
  • Walner
  • Zenith Stride

Examples to Clarify Criteria:

  • Example 1: A horse trained by a Next Gen trainer automatically qualifies, regardless of ownership or sire.

  • Example 2: A horse sired by a Next Gen stallion automatically qualifies, regardless of ownership or trainer.

  • Example 3: A syndicate with 10 members, three of whom are new or under 40, qualifies for the ownership criterion even if they collectively own less than 30% of the horse.

Steps for Trainers

  1. Plan Your Purchases:

    • Use the NZB Standardbred sales catalog and the Next Gen Collection booklet to identify eligible yearlings.

    • Eligible horses will be marked with a Next Gen sticker at the sales, helping you easily identify them. The Next Gen Collection booklet highlights yearlings sired by Next Gen stallions for additional guidance.

    • If you are a Next Gen trainer (non Group 1 winning trainer) or working with new owners, you can purchase any yearling to qualify. The Next Gen-sired horses are an additional exciting pathway but not a requirement.

    • Review eligibility criteria to ensure purchases align with the programme.

  2. Promote Your Involvement:

    • Let potential owners know you are participating in Next Gen and available to train eligible horses

Steps for Owners and Syndicate Managers

  1. Explore Ownership Options:

    • Decide whether to join a syndicate, form a group ownership, or take sole ownership for a more independent experience.

  2. Identify Eligible Horses:

    • Attend the 2026 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales or let your trainer know that you're interested in purchasing a share in a Next Gen yearling. If you're new to ownership, opt into the Trainer-Owner Connect Program to be matched with trainers participating in Next Gen.

    • Look for the Next Gen Sire sticker or Stall sign for eligible horses and use the Next Gen Collection booklet for guidance.

  3. Work with Your Trainer or Syndicate Manager:

    • Get guidance in selecting horses and ensuring eligibility requirements are met.

Get Ready for the Sales!

Register Your Interest today to stay informed about Next Gen opportunities and resources.

 

Next Gen