Frequently Asked Questions
A Ownership percentages are now available. You can be involved between 5%-100% suiting your budget.
Q What's the difference between owning or leasing a horse?
A If you lease a horse. A percentage (which is generally 10%-15%) is agreed by all parties and is paid to the owner of the horse. This can be on all win stakes or placings. A 'right of purchase' can also be agreed on at the time of signing the agreement that at any time you can purchase the horse and own it yourself for this agreed amount.
Q If I am lucky enough to have a winner, what deductions are taken from stakes?
A The trainer is entitled to 10% of the total stakes earned and the driver is entitled to 5%. In all but a few cases, everything is paid out via the HRNZ stakes payment system. This means payments from race meetings are automatically generated by the computer system and twice monthly deposited into owners, trainers and drivers bank accounts.
Q What's the difference between a TROTTER and a PACER?
A When TROTTING a horse's near side back leg comes forward at the same time as the off side front leg goes forward and then vice versa. So the diagonal legs move together.
When PACING, a horse's near side front and rear legs move back and forth at the same time. The opposing stride sees the off side front and rear legs moving back and forth at the same time.
Q Why do horses all have the same birthday?
A All horses share the same birthday (1 August), regardless of when their actual birthday is. August 1 corresponds with the start of the new racing season.
Q What is a MOBILE start?
A A race start type that involves a vehicle with two gate-like arms attached, which horses assemble behind. A Mobile Start ensures all runners are moving together at speed before the race begins.
Q What is a STAND start?
A The race start type that involves horses lining up behind a barrier strand(s). The Starter will only start a race when all horses are standing well in a line.
Q What are COLOURS?
A Most horses race in the trainers colours. However some owners choose to race their horses in their own colours. These are registered with HRNZ and are unique to each trainer and/or owner.
Q Who can be a JUNIOR DRIVER?
A A driver who is under the age of 25 that has driven less than 100 winners, from a minimum of six seasons of race driving regardless of the number of winners driven. Also includes drivers aged 25 - 29 years who have driven less than 100 winners from a maximum of six seasons of race driving.
Q What's the difference between a standardbred and a thoroughbred?
A Standardbreds tend to be more muscled and longer bodied than the Thoroughbred. They have a more placid disposition which suits horses whose racing style involves more strategy and speed. Standardbreds are considered people-oriented, intelligent and easy-to-train horses.