Kawa wins first JBBA bonus in Victoria

Matt Cumani’s mare Kawa has claimed her connections the first bonus on offer to the owners and trainers of Japanese-bred horses in Victoria from the Japanese Bloodhorse Breeders’ Association (JBBA).

The $30,000 bonus, paid $20,000 to the owner and $10,000 to the trainer by the JBBA, is available to the connections of Japanese-bred horses previously sold at an eligible Japanese auction that win a race in Victoria until 31 March 2027.

The JBBA bonus seeks to incentivise the purchasing of Japanese horses to race in Victoria while strengthening the connection between the two jurisdictions.

Trainer Matt Cumani and his ownership group which includes the Rising Sun Syndicate and Umanity Racing are the first to share in the scheme’s spoils, collecting their $30,000 bonus thanks to the win of five-year-old mare Kawa at Werribee on 30 May.

To be eligible for the bonus, a winning horse must be Japanese-bred and have a record of being sold at an eligible Japanese auction as outlined in the scheme’s terms and conditions.

The horse must also have been based with a Victorian-licensed trainer for at least one month prior to winning a race.

The owner or trainer of the winning horse is required to submit a bonus claim form to Racing Victoria (RV) within one month of the race, with RV to facilitate payment on behalf of the JBBA.

“Victoria has a proud record of success with Japanese-bred horses and this bonus provides owners and trainers with an added incentive to explore opportunities in the Japanese market,” said RV Head of Racing, Paul Bloodworth.

“We thank the JBBA for their support of Victorian racing and look forward to seeing Japanese-bred horses continuing to compete in our state.”

The terms and conditions for the JBBA Incentive Bonus Scheme can be viewed here.