Fields Nominations Results

Group 1 winning trainers

Next Gen: Strategies for Group 1 Winning Trainers

As a Group 1-winning trainer, you have the expertise and reputation to attract owners seeking the best opportunities for their yearlings. While your purchases aren’t automatically eligible for Next Gen bonuses, there are several pathways you can take to ensure eligibility. This page is designed to help you maximise your involvement in the Next Gen program and attract owners who are excited about racing eligible horses.

Eligibility Pathways

To qualify for Next Gen bonuses, yearlings must meet the following criteria:

  1. Purchased at the 2025 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales.

  2. Meet ONE of the following additional criteria:

    • Owned by a group where at least 30% of the ownership group (made up of a minimum of 4 people) are first-time HRNZ owners or individuals born after 1984.

    • Sired by a stallion in his first three New Zealand crops. View the Next Gen Yearling Collection to explore eligible sires and their yearlings.

How You Can Maximise Eligibility

1. Attract New Owners

Engage with potential first-time owners or younger owners who may be interested in racing a horse with a proven trainer. Highlight the benefits of joining your stable:

  • Financial Incentives: Emphasise how Next Gen bonuses can make ownership more affordable and rewarding.

  • Proven Expertise: Use your track record to instill confidence in prospective owners.

2. Leverage Next Gen Stallions

Identify yearlings sired by Next Gen stallions (in their first three New Zealand crops). Focus on these yearlings at the sales to ensure eligibility for bonuses regardless of ownership composition.

View the Next Gen Yearling Collection to explore the eligible yearlings and plan your purchases.

3. Collaborate with Existing Owners

Encourage your current owners to:

  • Introduce friends or family to ownership to form a Next Gen-eligible group.

  • Syndicate yearlings with younger or first-time owners to meet the ownership criteria.

Marketing Tools and Strategies

Social Media Highlights

Use your social media presence to promote your participation in Next Gen. Examples include:

  • “Looking forward to the 2025 NZB Sales! Let’s put together a team to make the most of Next Gen bonuses—get in touch if you’re keen to join!”

  • “Excited to work with owners who want to race eligible yearlings. Let’s find the perfect horse at the sales!”

Open Days and Meetups

Host open days or casual meetups to introduce new and existing owners to the opportunities Next Gen offers. Show them around your stable, share your experience, and outline how they can benefit from racing eligible horses in your care. Share your experience and outline how they can benefit from racing eligible horses in your stable.

Owner Communication

Send personalized emails or messages to your existing owners to:

  • Explain Next Gen eligibility and benefits.

  • Encourage them to syndicate horses with new owners or invest in Next Gen stallions.

For more tools, templates, and ideas, explore the Promoting Your Stable and Engaging Owners sections of the Trainer Toolkit.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to make the most of Next Gen? Start planning your purchases for the 2025 NZB Sales and building ownership groups that meet eligibility criteria. Use the resources in the Trainer Toolkit and the Next Gen Sired Yearlings Booklet to attract owners, identify eligible yearlings, and succeed with Next Gen.

Sign up for Next Gen Connect to be matched with potential owners interested in joining the sport. This initiative makes it easier than ever to grow your ownership base and attract new participants.

For further assistance or questions, contact Matthew Peden.

 

Next Gen