FAQs and Resources

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.

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, etc. HRNZ's Head of Racing and Wagering, Matthew Peden, will be the first point of contact for any queries. You can reach him at matthew.peden@hrnz.co.nz.

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.

4. Where do you get more information?

The HRNZ website will have a designated Next Gen page with regular updates, along with HRNZ's social media channels. HRNZ will also be on course at race meetings with information booths to explain the Next Gen scheme. The dates and locations for these will be published on the website and social media channels closer to the time.

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.

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. As long as the criteria are met before the horse races, it will be Next Gen eligible.

7. How does the eligibility criteria work to get the Harness Million Bonus?

You have to meet two of the criteria. (1) You must buy a yearling from the NZB National Standardbred Yearling Sales 2025 and then (2) meet one of the other criteria either through the Next Gen ownership group or by using a non Group 1-winning trainer or by purchasing a yearling by Next Gen sire

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

At the sales, all Next Gen eligible 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.

9. What does success look like for this scheme?

We want to see people getting enthused about new ownership and racing opportunities in our sport. We also want yearling buyers to place their horses with emerging trainers. 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 it to become a long-term scheme that will see new owners get involved in the sport. As mentioned, funding has been secured for the next three years. We think the scheme has real potential, and that 2025 will be the start of something very positive for the sport.