The New Zealand Sires’ Stakes Board has welcomed news of a lift in national breeding activity, describing the recent increase in mares served as an encouraging signal for the wider standardbred industry.
The New Zealand Sires’ Stakes Board has welcomed news of a lift in national breeding activity, describing the recent increase in mares served as an encouraging signal for the wider standardbred industry.
Recent reporting from the New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Association confirms the 2025/26 season represents the largest increase in individual mares served in 16 seasons and just the third year on year lift recorded since 2009/10.
NZ Sires’ Stakes Board CEO Martin Pierson said the figures were a positive sign that industry confidence may be beginning to rebuild.
“After a prolonged period of contraction in foal crops, any lift in breeding numbers is welcome news for the entire harness racing ecosystem,” Pierson said.
“Breeders, owners, trainers and racing clubs all benefit when the pipeline of young horses begins to strengthen again.”
Industry commentary has highlighted the role of targeted initiatives and clearer strategic direction in supporting breeder confidence, including programmes such as Harness 5000 and other incentive schemes designed to reduce costs and encourage participation.
Pierson said the NZ Sires’ Stakes Board was actively considering how it could build on this renewed confidence and ensure the resulting foal crops had compelling opportunities within the NZ Sires’ Stakes programme.
“The Sires’ Stakes has long been one of the cornerstone pathways for New Zealand-bred standardbreds, and it is important that we continue evolving to remain relevant to the next generation of breeders and owners.”
“As breeding numbers begin to stabilise and potentially grow again, it creates an opportunity for the Sires’ Stakes to examine how its future offerings can best support that momentum.”
The Board is currently reviewing ways the Series can continue to balance prestige with broader participation, ensuring that NZ-bred horses have strong incentives to remain connected to the Sires’ Stakes pathway.
“Our objective is simple,” Pierson said.
“We want every breeder producing a New Zealand-bred standardbred to see clear value in keeping that horse eligible for the Sires’ Stakes.”
The NZ Sires’ Stakes Board expects further discussion around future initiatives and potential enhancements to its Series structure as part of its ongoing strategic planning.
“Positive signals in breeding give the industry something to build on,” Pierson said.
“Our job is to ensure the Sires’ Stakes remains part of that growth story.”
