One of the Bay of Plenty’s most anticipated days at the races is just around the corner, with Bayleys International Raceday returning to Racing Tauranga on Saturday, 14 March for a celebration of racing and community.
This year’s meeting carries extra significance, marking the 55th running of the Group 2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy, a race that highlights Racing Tauranga’s long-standing relationship with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) and brings an international flavour to the day.
The raceday is proudly supported by long-time partner Bayleys Real Estate, whose backing has helped the event grow into one of the region’s most enjoyable social and sporting occasions.
Bayleys Sponsorship and Events Manager Vicki Semple says the raceday captures exactly what Bayleys values most, bringing people together.
“Bayleys has always valued events that bring the community together,” Semple says. “Racing Tauranga has a long history in the region and International Raceday has built a strong reputation over many years. It’s a great opportunity for us to support a well-established local event and connect with clients and the wider community.”
Racing Tauranga General Manager Louise Dean says the Club is proud of how the raceday has evolved into a true Bay of Plenty occasion.
“Bayleys International Raceday has become one of our signature events and that’s in large part thanks to the support of partners like Bayleys,” Dean says.
“It’s a day that really brings the community together offering great racing, entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere.”
The feature race itself carries a rich history. Now in its 55th year, the Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy celebrates more than five decades of friendship between Racing Tauranga and the JRA, with visiting Japanese representatives travelling to Tauranga each year to share in the occasion.
“The Japan Trophy is a really special race for our Club,” Dean says. “It represents more than five decades of partnership between Racing Tauranga and the JRA and we always look forward to welcoming our Japanese guests to Tauranga.”
Semple says the international connection gives the raceday a unique feel.
“The Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy is a significant race and the international connection adds real prestige,” she says. “Being held around St Patrick’s Day also adds to the atmosphere. People really embrace the occasion and it creates a fantastic day on course.”
That atmosphere will be on full display again this year. Visiting JRA representatives will be formally welcomed with a traditional pōwhiri, performed by the nationally recognised kapa haka group Te Whānau o Te Maro Hauhake from Tauranga Intermediate School.
“It’s always a special moment in the day,” Dean says. “It’s a chance to recognise the international partnership while celebrating our own culture and welcoming our guests in a way they might not have experienced.”
Talented vocalist Yanni Corsame of Tauranga Girls' College will also perform the national anthems live ahead of the feature race.
Off the track, there will be plenty for racegoers to enjoy as well. The ever-popular St Patrick’s Day Lawn Party will bring live Irish music, a Guinness bar, family entertainment, face painting and roaming performers from Circus in a Flash creating a relaxed festival feel around the course.
“We really want people to come along and enjoy the full raceday experience,” Dean says. “Whether you’re there for the racing, the entertainment or just a great day out with friends and family, there’s something for everyone.”
For Bayleys, the raceday is also a chance to step away from the office and spend time with clients in a relaxed environment.
“It’s a great opportunity to host clients and enjoy the day together,” Semple says. “A raceday has such a natural, easy-going atmosphere where conversations flow and relationships grow.”
That shared focus on people and community is a big part of what has made the partnership between Bayleys and Racing Tauranga so enduring.
“It has always been a strong working relationship,” Semple says. “The Racing Tauranga team do a fantastic job delivering the event each year and there’s a real shared commitment to making the day a success.”
For Semple personally, it’s the energy of the day that keeps her coming back.
“I love the buzz on course,” she says. “It’s always a great day out and it’s especially nice to see our Bayleys team come together and enjoy the occasion.”
With the 55th running of the Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy, international guests from Japan and a full programme of entertainment both on and off the track, this year’s Bayleys International Raceday is shaping up to be another memorable celebration of racing and community in Tauranga.