Magic Millions Launch Showjumping Event at Pacific Fair Polo

Magic Millions’ world-class celebration of thoroughbred racing and breeding excellence, coupled with the showcase of elite equine sport continues to expand today with the announcement of the addition of showjumping at the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo event on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast.

Announcing the showjumping addition, Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page-Harvey commented, “The horse and rider as the athlete; it is what Magic Millions is all about. Showjumping just fits perfectly into The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions. When you see a 500kg horse soar over a 1.4m jump at a flat gallop, turn on a hair pin and clear a triple jump. You are in awe. You are holding your breath.

“It is how you feel watching your horse, whether as owner, breeder or punter, cross the line first. It is the reaction you have watching high goal polo – five horses in a cluster, at a gallop chasing down the goal. That is Magic Millions.

“Like everything we do it has to be done at the highest level, so to attract the elite horse and rider, the best in Australian showjumping, Magic Millions will be offering $100,000 in prizemoney; $92,000 for the senior competition and $8,000 for the junior competitors.

“The Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo will continue to draw ever-increasing crowds. This year has changed slightly with two action-packed games – one the best of the best and the other the much-loved celebrity contest.

“The action, the entertainment and glamour of the Polo, the Showjumping, outdoors by the water on the Gold Coast with friends and family…what could be better after the challenges of the past two years. Everyone wants a reason to dress up and celebrate together.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival was among the biggest entries on the It’s Live in Queensland events calendar for 2022.

“Securing major events like the Magic Millions confirms the Gold Coast as Australia’s favourite visitor destination,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival brings famous racing identities and spectators from across Australia to the Gold Coast for the carnival’s rich $10.25 million prize purse.

“This premier event is a must-do experience that makes the Gold Coast the place to be for racing enthusiasts and visitors who enjoy the spectacle of world-class equine sport.

“Magic Millions attracts tens of thousands of visitors and delivers a significant boost to the Gold Coast’s tourism economy.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to live it up and explore Southeast Queensland’s many visitor experiences.”

Jess Mellor, Chief Operating Officer for The Star Gold Coast said,

“After months of restrictions, we couldn’t be more excited to kick-start the new year by welcoming back travellers from across the country to join in the festivities of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions; and we share Katie’s excitement for this new event on the carnival calendar.

“The Star Gold Coast, like Magic Millions, is always looking to deliver a world-class experience for our guests and we look forward to once again complementing all the equine and racing activity with our exciting off-track offering. With award-winning dining and bars, entertainment, pampering and five-star accommodation we’re the ultimate destination to prepare for a day trackside and excite the senses post events.”

The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions launch at Doomben held today in Brisbane is a collaborative effort, aimed at shining a light on the opportunities on offer for the next generation of equine enthusiasts.

Katie Page-Harvey said, “At the heart of everything at Magic Millions is the horse and everyone connected with us are horse people, it is an intrinsic part of our family life, which is why I am thrilled that Magic Millions, Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Pony Club Australia are staging the inaugural Magic Millions Pony Race today in Brisbane.

“Ten very talented young riders, aged 8-13 will line up this morning at Doomben racecourse on their equally talented ponies to race 480 metres. Every footy code has kids run on the field ahead of the main game, or play at half time. These young Queensland riders will have their own national stage today in front of an adoring crowd. They will never forget the feeling – and neither will their parents!

“We have a huge responsibility to create pathways to develop sporting talent and create career opportunities so that the thoroughbred industry and all equine sports can continue to thrive in Australia.”

Lindy Maurice, CEO, Thoroughbred Industry Careers added,

“We have had Pony Racing on the agenda since we launched Thoroughbred Industry Careers three years ago and through the support of Katie Page-Harvey and the team at Magic Millions, the Brisbane Racing Club, the Gold Coast Turf Club and Pony Club Australia, we see it come to life today, and for this we are very grateful.

“We believe Pony Racing is a great way to engage young horse lovers with our sport, going beyond the surface, to the heart of our industry of which the horse is the hero.”

CEO of Pony Club Australia, Catherine Ainsworth said,

“Pony Club Australia provides riding and horsemanship education in a broad range of horse sports, and we are pleased to offer this additional opportunity to our riders at such a big event. Selected riders will be able to demonstrate their partnership with their pony and their riding skills to an audience of horse-lovers.”

Magic Millions Managing Director, Barry Bowditch discussed readying for what will be another enormous year at the Bundall based auction complex,

“When I see the first yearling being led onto the Magic Millions Sales Complex in January that for me is the start of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival. It starts with the very first horse and the talented team who represent them at the Sales. All the action and excitement builds from there, but from start to finish it is about the yearlings that have come from all over Australia to walk through the Magic Millions auction ring. We will all see first-hand the talent, care and dedication of our breeders when their yearlings walk into the ring – the culmination of two years of devotion and hard work.

“Equally, when we look across the Magic Millions auditorium every day of the sale, chat to prospective buyers as they inspect their preferred yearling, you understand why the Australian thoroughbred industry is thriving. Magic Millions attracts the strongest buying bench, which has adapted throughout the pandemic, to continue to deliver top prices for breeders and the racing industry has been uninterrupted delivering millions in prize money to the owners in our industry. For us, it is such a thrill, we know that there are dozens in every crowd who are going to be the future owners of Magic Millions graduate champions.

“The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale revenue has grown 46% over the past five years. That revenue goes back to our breeders and assists Magic Millions to continue to grow prizemoney for graduate owners. That growth is only made possible with the support of our partners The Star Gold Coast, Tourism & Events Queensland, Racing Queensland, Pacific Fair, TAB, Seven West Media, Audi Centre Gold Coast and Sky Racing.

“The first yearling is due to arrive on 2 January. That is what I am looking forward to. Welcoming everyone back to the Gold Coast.”

Key events for The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival in January 2022

Sunday 9th January: Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo at The Spit, with the addition of top level showjumping with a $100,00 prize pool.
Tuesday 11th January: Morning Barrier Draw and picturesque horse run down the beach at Surfers Paradise.
Tuesday 11th – Saturday 15th: over 1,200 of Australia’s most highly sought after yearlings go under the hammer at the Magic Millions auction complex at Bundall.
Saturday 15th: The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday at the Gold Coast Turf Club, over $10.25M in prizemoney on offer. Feature races $2M The Star Magic Millions 2YO Classic and $2M Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, with an additional $750,000 in Magic Millions Racing Women Bonuses.

Media Release courtesy of Magic Millions