Talk:Magic Millions

Section from Culture of Gold Coast, Queensland

This section below was removed from Culture of Gold Coast, Queensland. Section referring magic millions to now link to Magic Millions.

Horse Racing

The Gold Coast Turf Club hosts weekly horse races every Saturday from 12 o'clock midday for a minor entry fee. Facilities include a bookmaker's ring, betting tote through UNItab, four small to large function venues and public food and drink outlets.

You can't talk about horse racing on the Gold Coast without making mention of the Magic Millions thoroughbred auction sales and races. This annual event held in January each year attracts buyers and enthusiasts from around the world, with one year a staggering $100 million dollars turnover in yearling sales.

The 18 day event focuses on '5' main sales(auction) days and one main race day featuring the Magic Millions 2yr Old Classic (over 1200 m) and Magic Millions 3yr Old Trophy (over 1400 m) which in 2007 will be held on January 13th. Whilst the races are title with 'Magic Millions' the total prize money for each of the featured events is actually only $800,000 with first place claiming $500,000. Only horses that a purchased through one of the Magic Millions auctions are entitled to race in the events.

The Magic Millions carnival is the brainchild of creative and flamboyant entrepreneurs Gerry Harvey (of Harvey Normans) and John Singleton. In 2005 John Singleton won the 3yr Old Trophy with Tippitaka and proceeded in true Singo-Style to shout the entire bar at the Gold Coast Turf Club. He then backed up in 2006 to win the 2yr Old Classic with Mirror Mirror.

2006 saw a record attendance at the Magic Millions race day with over 18000 punters and party goers in attendance.