The Ashburton Trotting Club is set to introduce a new Harness 5000 series, targeting horses sired by New Zealand-based stallions with service fees of $5,000 or less. The series will culminate in a $720,000 race day at Ashburton Raceway on December 21st. Harness Racing New Zealand aims to provide a pathway for foals from a wide range of stallions, catering to different tiers within the breeding industry.
The twelve Harness 5000 finals will feature races for three, four, and five-year-olds, as well as older horses, with categories for fillies, mares, colts, geldings, and entires. Qualifying for the finals will be based on stake money won, with the top fourteen in each category securing a spot. Each final will offer a stake of $60,000 and will be contested over 1700 meters.
The series, similar to the Harness Jewels, aims to engage breeders and owners at the grassroots level. The qualifying period for this year will run from July 3 to December 9, with horses required to compete in at least five race day starts to be eligible. Leaderboards will track horses’ standings across all twelve categories, providing transparency for owners and trainers.
Notably, HRNZ has committed to running the series for the next five years, with plans for the 2026 qualifying period already set. While the initiative has been well-received by many, there are concerns about scheduling conflicts with major race meetings, such as the Invercargill Cup. Some trainers feel that more support is needed for horses in the middle rating band, addressing challenges faced by horses with ratings between 50 and 80.
Despite some reservations about the timing of the Harness 5000 series final in relation to other key racing events, HRNZ stands by its decision, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for a diverse range of horses. The organization also considered the inclusion of Group One winners in the series, ultimately opting to allow these horses to compete, with specific eligibility criteria in place.
As preparations for the series continue, the list of eligible stallions is being finalized, further enhancing the transparency and accessibility of the competition. With over 800 eligible horses out of a total pool of nearly 3,000, the Harness 5000 series is poised to make a significant impact on the New Zealand harness racing scene, attracting interest from breeders, owners, and trainers alike.
Industry stakeholders, including breeders like Macca Lodge and trainers such as John Morrison and Nathan Williamson, have expressed support for the series while also highlighting areas for potential improvement. The introduction of the Harness 5000 series represents a strategic move by HRNZ to diversify and enrich the harness racing landscape in New Zealand, offering a platform for horses across different breeding categories to showcase their talent and compete at a high level.
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