With an international racing experience on the line, a quality field is set to assemble for Saturday’s Group 2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy at Tauranga Racecourse, one of the centrepieces of Bayleys International Raceday.
Alongside the prestige of the 1600-metre feature, the winning trainer will again earn a coveted trip to Japan to attend the New Zealand Trophy Exchange Race at Nakayama Racecourse, an incentive that continues to highlight the long-standing partnership between Racing Tauranga and the Japan Racing Association (JRA) while adding an extra layer of intrigue to one of the club’s most anticipated races of the season.
The initiative celebrates more than five decades of connection between Tauranga the JRA, offering New Zealand trainers a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most impressive racing jurisdictions firsthand. The winning trainer and their guest travel to Japan for the New Zealand Trophy Exchange Race, enjoying a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Last year’s winning trainer, Andrew Scott of Wexford Stables, travelled to Japan after their runner Waitak claimed the 2025 edition of the race and said the experience exceeded expectations.
“There was quite a bit of talk about it [the incentive] throughout the day,” Scott said. “Winning was fantastic, but the trip to Japan was an amazing bonus.”
Reflecting on the visit, Scott described the experience as unforgettable.
“Just mind-blowing. The facilities are next level and that scale of investment shows how committed they are to producing elite racehorses. It was just surreal to witness firsthand.”
He added that the opportunity offered valuable insight into the global racing landscape.
“I don’t think we fully appreciate how strong Japan racing is from this side of the world. Their breeding systems, their training infrastructure, it’s all geared toward finding the very best. It gave me a new appreciation for the depth and professionalism of their entire industry.”
Scott believes initiatives like this are hugely valuable for New Zealand’s training ranks.
“The relationship between Racing Tauranga and the JRA is so valuable. We’re lucky to have a foot in the door there. It allows Kiwi trainers to get a look behind the curtain at one of the most successful racing jurisdictions in the world, an experience I would say very few get to have.
“Opportunities like this are rare, and the learnings you can bring home are priceless.”
That opportunity is now up for grabs again in 2026, with a strong and diverse field lining up for Saturday’s feature. Among those entered are Sterling Express (Mark Brosnan), Khafre (Ralph Manning), Qali Al Farrasha (Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson for Te Akau Racing), Hezashocka (Clotworthy Racing), Drop Of Something (W Hillis & R Cole), Leroy Brown (Stephen Ralph), Chattahoochee (Lisa Anderson), Cannon Hill (Tony Pike), Frank The Tank (Bill Thurlow & Sam O’Malley), Omega Boy (Peter & Trent Didham), Pacifico (Andrew Forsman), Super Photon (Stephen Marsh), Wingman (Roydon Bergerson), Sorghaghtani (Graham Richardson & Rogan Norvall) and Butterfield (Patrick McCarten).
Among the leading chances is Sterling Express for trainer Mark Brosnan, who has the services of Matt Cameron in the saddle jumping from a handy barrier 7. Already a Group 2 winner, the talented galloper recently went agonisingly close to securing a first Group 1 victory when finishing second in the BCD Group Sprint at Te Rapa in February.
Another of the major contenders is Qali Al Farrasha from the stable of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, who races in the familiar tangerine colours of Te Akau Racing. A four-time Group 1 placegetter and Group 2 winner, she will be partnered by Michael McNab as she chases another feature success. A victory would also carry added significance for Bergerson, who was assistant trainer when Brando claimed the race previously. She has drawn barrier 5.
Stephen Ralph’s Leroy Brown also returns for another tilt at the race, arriving in red-hot form with a win and two seconds from his last three starts. He will be ridden by Tayla Mitchell but has drawn the outside barrier at 15.
Recent winners of the Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy include the aforementioned Waitak for Wexford Stable’s Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott, Diss Is Dramatic for Lisa Latta, Brando for Mark Walker (with then-assistant trainer Sam Bergerson), Gino Severini for Bruce Wallace and Grant Cooksley, Packing Rockstar for Lauren Brennan, and Scott Base for Jamie Richards, a roll of honour that reflects the quality typically attracted to the Tauranga feature.
This Saturday, another name will be added to that list and with it, the chance to represent New Zealand racing on an international stage in Japan. We can’t wait!
For the full field, click here.
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