Harness Million Series
With an estimated million dollars in the prizepool, NZB’s Harness Million Sales Race Series is open to standardbred weanlings and yearlings offered through the sale ring at qualifying New Zealand Bloodstock Sales - setting the benchmark for incentive races in New Zealand.
In a ground-breaking move the Series has been opened up to weanlings and the complicated entry process of the past has been abolished in favour of a much simpler approach that incorporates a one-time qualifying fee and a one-off entry fee.
To be administered by the New Zealand Sires’ Stakes Board the Series will consist of principal two-year-old and three-year-old races for colts and geldings, fillies and trotters individually, plus other races which may be conditioned and are to include opportunities for four-year-old and older horses.
All yearlings and selected weanlings purchased at NZB Standardbred sales are eligible for the Series. To nominate your purchase, email [email protected] or call +64 9 298 0055. Entry deadlines apply, check the Terms & Conditions for the relevant sale for which the horse was purchased from.
The Race Towards the 2YO Series
The first opportunity for the juveniles to claim valuable Harness Million earnings is when the two-year-olds compete in three separate races - the Colts & Geldings Pace, Fillies Pace and Trotters races, all carrying a Restricted Listed status.
October 2022 saw the NZB Standardbred Harness Million Series 3 horses race. Merlin (NZ) (Art Major) won his eighth consecutive victory after claiming the Listed 2YO Colts & Geldings Final (1980m). While Millwood Nike (NZ) (Captaintreacherous) saw her record remain unbeaten against her filly counterparts, winning the Listed 2YO Fillies Final (1980m) and Southern Diamond (NZ) (Creatine) won the Listed 2YO Trot (1980m).
Second Opportunity for the 3YOs
The three-year-olds meet again two days before of the National Yearling Sale in February for another shot at Harness Million glory with the running of the Colts & Geldings Pace, Fillies Pace and Trotters races also at Restricted Listed Status.
In 2023 we saw star three-year-olds claim back-to-back Harness Million Series races. Merlin (NZ) (Art Major) was magical in the Listed 3YO Colts & Geldings Pace (2200m), and Millwood Nike (NZ) (Captaintreacherous) getting the victory in the Listed 3YO Filllies Pace (2200m).
2023 Harness Million Series Schedule
| RACE | DATE & TRACK | WINNER | SALE | VENDOR | PURCHASER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 Harness Million Listed 3YO Colts & Geldings Pace (2200m) (Series 3) | 17 February 2023, Cambridge Raceway | Merlin (NZ) (Art Major x Imaginary Bet) | 2021 Christchurch Sale, $120,000 | Broadfield Lodge | Montana Park |
| $150,000 Harness Million Listed 3YO Fillies Pace (2200m) (Series 3) | 17 February 2023, Cambridge Raceway | Millwood Nike (NZ) (Captaintreacherous x Albuquerque) | 2021 Christchurch Sale, $75,000 | Millwood Farm | All Stars Racing Stables |
| $75,000 Harness Million Listed 3YO Trot (22000m) (Series 3) | 28 April 2023, Alexandra Park | Lovemeto (NZ) (What The Hill x Love Ya Doosie) |
2021 Auckland Sale, $45,000 |
Breckon Farms | Rogerson Bloodstock |
| $200,000 Harness Million Listed 2YO Colts & Geldings Pace (1980m) (Series 4) | 13 October 2023, Addington | Cold Chisel (NZ) (Always B Miki x Shezaball) | 2022 Christchurch Sale, $100,000 | Denario Breeding | Montana Park |
| $150,000 Harness Million Listed 2YO Fillies Pace (1980m) (Series 4) | 13 October 2023, Addington | Coastal Babe (NZ) (Downbytheseaside x Jessies Girl) | 2022 Auckland Sale, $65,000 | Woodlands Stud | |
| $75,000 Harness Million Listed 2YO Trot (1980m) (Series 4) | 13 October 2023, Addington | Paramount Kiwi (NZ) (Father Patrick x Paramount Star) | 2022 Christchurch Sale, $45,000 | Studholme Bloodstock | MW Racing |
| $50,000 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale Listed Aged Classic (2400m) | 30 October 2023, Kaikoura | Jimmy James Maguire (NZ) (Bettor's Delight x Miley Maguire) | 2022 Christchurch Sale, $50,000 | Jubilee Park | Eilte Racing |
Eligible Horses
Harness Million Series 1 Eligible Horses (Foaled 2017)
Harness Million Series 2 Eligible Horses (Foaled 2018)
Harness Million Series 3 Eligible Horses (Foaled 2019)
Terms & Conditions
Harness Million Sales Race Series: Conditions of Entry 2023