Is a concerted effort alongside and since ‘The Future Starts Now’ initiative in 2024 achieving what is hoped for Sires’ Stakes racing and its ambitions a year and half later?
New Zealand Sires’ Stakes Executive Martin Pierson thinks the signs are promising as he reflects on the stakes racing so far this season.
The New Zealand Sires Stakes Series has reached a remarkable milestone: 72% of Standardbred foals have signed on or paid into the relevant race series. It’s a record-setting percentage, and a strong signal of industry engagement. Yet, beneath the celebration lies a persistent concern—the declining number of foals bred year-on-year.
Martin Pierson, Executive of the NZ Sires Stakes, sees the Sires’ Stakes figure as more than just a statistic.
“72% of all foals is an encouraging result not only around numbers but I think an indication of a positive feeling for the Sires’ Stakes aspirational racing concept in itself,” he explains. “Back in the day 50% uptake was considered a good result.”
Breeding Incentives: No Excuses This Year
With HRNZ refreshing racing and breeding programmes, there’s never been more incentive to breed a harness racehorse. Pierson is emphatic:
“If people want to breed a horse there’s certainly no excuse this year given the multitude of initiatives out there.”
Economic confidence, particularly in Southland, is helping fuel momentum this year. Strong dairy payouts from Fonterra and the proactive expansion of broodmare portfolios by standardbred breeders like John and Katrina Price are indicators of a projected growth spurt for a key rural sector knocking on into harness racing.
Positive Optics, Strong Data
Across tracks and media platforms, the good vibe around the NZ Sires Stakes Series is palpable. Capacity fields, exciting finishes, and robust betting turnover are validating the buzz—especially in the ‘second tier’ stakes races.
“The most pleasing aspect for me this spring has been the support for the Auckland races,” says Pierson. “Having those races filled to capacity across the board is a really encouraging signal from the key players up north.”
Race Highlights:
Harness 7000 & Nevele R Series
The Woodlands Stud Harness 7000 on September 12 was a standout event. The $50,000 listed stakes race was won by Berrettini, a home-bred three-year-old pacer, delivering a thrilling finish for Phil and Christine Smith, trainer John ‘Coaster’ Howe, and rising driver Robbie ‘Goose’ Close.
Looking ahead, Pierson hints at evolution:
“With the arrival of the Harness 5000, the Harness 7000 might morph into another conditioned race without the tie to a stallion service fee going forward… It may be version of the Sophomore Classic for another group of horses. We’ll see what the board thinks in November.”
Meanwhile, the Nevele R Stud Fillies’ Series continues to reflect its world class status. The two initial heats are restricted to three-year-olds without group wins or $40,000 in lifetime earnings, an opportunity to level the playing field and has produced stars and series winners like Treacherous Baby. This year, Duchess Of Kent is emerging as a royal contender from that template.
“I think of all the age group crops racing, our three-year-old fillies run the deepest,” Pierson says. “That Nevele R Final is shaping as the best race of Cup Week this November!”
The Flagship:
Woodlands Stud Series for 2YO Colts
The Woodlands Stud Series remains the crown jewel for two-year-old male pacers. It usually produces a superstar and this year’s just might be Southland bred, Auckland owned, Canterbury based colt, Jumal.
Pierson suggests the competition looks poised to remain fierce heading into the Cup Day Sires Stakes Final though.
“I really like this Zeus Lightening fella and while cup day looks close on the calendar a lot can happen in juvenile racing over a short time. The North Island Stables are heading south now and always have a big say in the final too so there’s a grand contest looming!”
Building the Middle:
A Strategy
Since teaming with HRNZ on the ‘Future Starts Now’ initiative, the Sires Stakes executive team has focused on expanding race opportunities for horses just below the elite level.
Races like ‘Uncut Gems’ are proving popular for participants and fans alike and Pierson thinks are vital for industry growth.
“I would like to see a little more for the middle,” Pierson reflects. “There are a dozen or so conditioned Sires’ Stakes races in the schedule at the moment—could we do with a few more? We’ve got to be careful to stay in our lane though, which is providing for aspirational stakes racing. That’s really why we were set up in the first place.”
It is a balancing act.
The NZ Sires Stakes was founded to provide for and inspire participants to aim for an excellence in Standardbred racing.
While the elite remain the focus, Pierson believes the middle tier holds untapped potential—if given time and opportunity.
“We’d have to be happy with how it all looks so far,” he concludes. “Things are in as good a shape as they could be and with a number of initiatives in play from key parties like HRNZ and the stud farms across the country, here’s hoping it can continue.”
