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How to Get Started

Your path to harness racing ownership starts here

Joining Next Gen is simple and rewarding! Whether you’re a first-time owner or part of a group, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Follow these three steps to join the future of harness racing.

Step 1: Choose Your Ownership Type

Next Gen offers ownership options to suit everyone:

  • Syndicates: Share the cost of ownership with others while enjoying the excitement together.
  • Group Ownership: Own a racehorse with friends or family.
  • Private Ownership: Take full ownership for a more personal experience.

Learn more about ownership types on our Types of Ownership page.

Step 2: Find a Trainer or Syndicate

Work with professionals to ensure your ownership journey starts strong:

  • Next Gen Trainers: Partner with talented trainers who have not won a Group 1 race as of January 1, 2025.
  • Join a Syndicate: Connect with syndicates that meet the Next Gen criteria:
    • Syndicates must have at least four members, and 30% of the group members must be first-time HRNZ owners or individuals born after 1984.

Step 3: Buy a Horse at the 2025 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales

To be eligible for Next Gen, your horse must be purchased at the 2025 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales.

  • Sales Dates:

    • Karaka: Saturday, 15 February 2025
    • Christchurch: Tuesday, 18 February 2025

  • Look for Eligible Yearlings:

    • Horses must meet one of the following criteria:
      1. Owned 30%+ by first-time HRNZ owners or individuals born after 1984.
      2. Trained by a Next Gen trainer.
      3. Sired by a stallion in his first three New Zealand crops.

Look for the Next Gen Sticker: Eligible yearlings will have a sticker indicating their eligibility at the sales.

Your trainer or syndicate manager can help identify eligible yearlings.

Register your interest to be kept up to date on Next Gen

Next Gen