Racing Tauranga (RT) is delighted to announce that they will be continuing their relationship with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) in the 2024/25 season. The winning trainer of the G2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy Race, held at Tauranga Racecourse in March, will win a trip for two to Tokyo to attend the G2 New Zealand Trophy Exchange Race in April 2025 in a new initiative for the Club.
The respective organisations have enjoyed an affiliation for many years now, with the inaugural Japan Trophy Race taking place in 1971 at Tauranga Racecourse. The relationship was cemented with the creation of the New Zealand Trophy Race, run at Nakayama Racecourse in Tokyo, this year celebrating its 43rd running due to a biannual schedule earlier on in the race’s history.
In commenting on the trip, Racing Tauranga Chairman, Carl McComb, highlighted that this incentive is the result of a long-standing relationship between the racing jurisdictions.
“The 54th running of the G2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy Race is Racing Tauranga’s highest profile race and we’re thrilled to be acknowledging the support of trainers throughout New Zealand in this way.
“Our relationship with the JRA is one that has been in place for some time and we really value the link between our Club and Japan.
“This latest initiative will continue to strengthen the bond between us, allowing us to celebrate thoroughbred racing in Japan with some key stakeholders from the New Zealand industry.
“We’re looking forward to rewarding our winning trainer with a trip to Japan to experience the incredible Japanese hospitality and, of course, attend the races to see the New Zealand Trophy Race take place.”
The winning trainer of the G2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy Race will receive a trip for two to Tokyo, staying at the 5-star Palace Hotel. They will be escorted by Racing Tauranga delegates and will attend a welcome dinner hosted by the JRA on the first evening.
This will be followed by a guided tour of the impressive Miho Training Centre on Friday before they attend the races at Nakayama Racecourse on Saturday, 12 April 2025.
They will enjoy the races from the surrounds of a corporate box and will cheer on the runners in the 43rd G2 New Zealand Trophy Exchange Race with delegates from the New Zealand Embassy, Air New Zealand, the JRA and Racing Tauranga.
McComb comments, “I urge trainers to consider this race when mapping out their charges autumn campaigns.
“Who knows, they could be joining us in Japan for what’s always a wonderful trip.”
The Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy has an illustrious history with many high profile winners including the popular Sir Slick who claimed the Group 2 feature twice. It was won last season by Diss Is Dramatic for trainer, Lisa Latta, with the raceday attended by New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon.
The race is staged as part of the Bayleys International Raceday, taking place on Saturday, 15 March 2025. Nominations for the feature close Tuesday, 11 March 2025.