Racing Tauranga has confirmed the return of its popular trainers' incentive for a third consecutive year, with the winning trainer of the Group 2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy on Saturday, 13 March 2027, set to earn an exclusive racing experience in Japan.
The initiative continues to add an international dimension to one of Racing Tauranga's premier racedays, Bayleys International Raceday, rewarding the winning trainer of the day's Group 2 feature with a trip for two to Tokyo and a rare opportunity to experience Japanese racing firsthand.
Thanks to the continued support of Air New Zealand, the prize includes Premium Economy return flights to Tokyo, along with five-star accommodation at the prestigious Palace Hotel in the heart of the city, funded by Racing Tauranga.
The winning trainer and their guest will also be hosted by the Japan Racing Association (JRA), enjoying an exclusive tour of the world-renowned Miho Training Centre before attending Nakayama Racecourse as VIP guests for the 45th running of the New Zealand Trophy Exchange Race, the reciprocal race to Tauranga's Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy.
Racing Tauranga Chairman Michael Bayly said the Club was delighted to continue an initiative that represents a significant commitment from Racing Tauranga and its partners to recognising and rewarding New Zealand's training community.
"Our relationship with the JRA has a special place in our Club's history, and this incentive is about ensuring that relationship continues to deliver meaningful opportunities for our industry," Bayly said.
"Delivering an experience of this calibre requires a genuine investment from the Club, alongside the generous contributions of our partners. It's a commitment we're pleased to make because we believe in recognising the trainers who support our racing and providing opportunities they may not otherwise have.
"Entering our third year is a real milestone. We've seen firsthand just how valuable this experience can be for the winning trainers, not only as a reward for success on the track but as an opportunity to gain insight into one of the world's most advanced racing jurisdictions.
"We're grateful to Air New Zealand and the JRA for their continued support in making this possible."
The incentive has already delivered memorable experiences for two New Zealand training operations, most recently Awapuni-based Peter and Trent Didham, who secured the 2026 prize when Omega Boy claimed the Group 2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy in March.
Peter subsequently travelled to Tokyo with his wife Trish, returning with high praise for the experience and the insights gained into Japanese racing's world-class infrastructure, facilities and culture.
"The concept is amazing," Didham said following his return. "If New Zealand trainers can go overseas, see how things work and bring ideas back home, that's fantastic. The Japan trip was amazing for that reason alone."
The sentiment was echoed by Wexford Stables' Andrew Scott, who travelled to Japan with his wife Sara after he and co-trainer Lance O'Sullivan won the inaugural incentive with Waitak in 2025.
Scott described the opportunity as an invaluable experience for New Zealand trainers, offering rare access to one of the world's leading racing jurisdictions.
"The relationship between Racing Tauranga and the JRA is so valuable. We're lucky to have a foot in the door there," Scott said.
"Opportunities like this are rare, and the learnings you can bring home are priceless."
Introduced in 2025, the incentive was designed to further strengthen the Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy's standing on the New Zealand racing calendar, encouraging strong fields and recognising the trainers who support the Group 2 feature.
It also builds on more than five decades of friendship and collaboration between Racing Tauranga and the JRA, a relationship that has seen representatives from both racing jurisdictions participate in reciprocal exchanges over many years.
"For us, it's about continuing to build the prestige of the Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy and giving trainers another compelling reason to target the race," Bayly added.
"With two fantastic experiences already behind us, we're looking forward to seeing who will be heading to Japan in 2027."
The 56th Group 2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy will be contested at Tauranga Racecourse on Saturday, 13 March 2027, as part of Bayleys International Raceday.
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