What the new season of harness racing looks like

The 2023/24 harness racing season gets underway today, with stakes increasing by nearly $5m.

Base funding will increase by just under $3m with all races falling into one of seven categories. Funding will start at $10,500 for Provincial Low Key races to $30,000 for races during New Zealand Cup week. Clubs will decide how they allocate their base funding.

Also from today two new breeders’ schemes will come into effect.

The Fillies and Mares credit scheme :

Each filly/mare who finishes Top 3 in a Fillies and Mares only race will receive a breeding credit of:
• First – $1,000
• Second – $300
• Third – $200

The NZ bred sires’ bonus scheme :

Every horse born in New Zealand, sired by a New Zealnd bred stallion, and that stands in Australasia will earn a 10% bonus on stakes for all New Zealand races that they race in.

To see more on the 2023/24 funding document, click here.

From Harness Racing New Zealand