The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday will light up the Gold Coast once again tomorrow, featuring eight $1 million-plus races for the first time – the only race meeting in the Southern Hemisphere to do so.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said the race meeting will see $11.75 million in prize money on offer across a 10-race card, bringing with it a boost in tourism and investment to Queensland.
"This race meeting is the crown jewel of the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival," Ms Grace said.
"It is the grand finale of a spectacular event that supports good jobs and contributes to the great lifestyle we live here in Queensland.
"The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival is a bucket list event for many racing fans, and its popularity creates a total economic impact of $42 million and almost 85,000 visitor night stays on the Gold Coast."
The Magic Millions Raceday will be headlined by two marquee features – the 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas – each worth $2 million in prize money.
It will also feature the inaugural $1 million Magic Millions 'The Syndicate', for horses owned by a minimum of 20 individual registered owners and/or syndicate members, and the $500,000 Magic Millions 'The Debut' – restricted to first starters – set to become the richest two-year-old maiden in the world.
The Magic Millions Racing Women's Bonuses will be on offer, with $750,000 in total across both the 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas races for eligible horses owned solely by women.
Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said thoroughbred industry sustainability is strengthened by delivering wide-reaching prize money opportunities to all racing participants.
"Whether you are a syndicate member, a first-time owner, live in the country or the city, everyone should be able to qualify for prize money returns from Magic Millions races," Mr Bowditch said.
"Magic Millions and Racing Queensland's announcement earlier in the week outlined an array of compelling, current and future opportunities through the introduction of new races, increased prize money and greater options for participation.
"This includes a total Magic Millions Raceday prize money increase to $11.75 million this year; total Magic Millions Raceday prize money increasing to $14.25 million in 2024, with the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and Magic Millions 3YO Guineas both individually increasing to $3 million in prize money, and the new $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic to be run on the Gold Coast during the Magic Millions National Sale; and the introduction of Friday night racing in 2025, which will see the total prize money across the Magic Millions weekend increase to $20 million."
Minister Grace said the The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday comes as the Gold Coast Turf Club redevelopment hits an important milestone.
"The $63 million redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club is creating almost 330 jobs during construction and will inject $100 million to the local economy," Ms Grace said.
"It's now delivered its first major project with the installation of the all-weather Polytrack.
"Installed by Martin Collins Australia, this artificial surface will allow racing to go ahead in wet weather situations when it otherwise would be called off.
"A similar track has been installed on the Sunshine Coast and has already proven a vital asset, with 15 race meetings that would have otherwise been cancelled due to rain rescheduled at Corbould Park.
"The Gold Coast Polytrack is also an invaluable resource for training and trialling.
"I'm looking forward to the rest of the redevelopment being completed in time for the 2024 Magic Millions Carnival, including broadcast quality lighting allowing for night racing, an in-field tunnel boosting equine safety and a resurfaced track."
Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said the enhancements over the next two years to the Magic Millions Carnival and the redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club would ensure Magic Millions continues to encourage visitors from near and far to come to the Sunshine State.
"We unashamedly want people to breed, buy and back Queensland, and we're delighted to continue our long-term relationship with Magic Millions and ensure it maintains its standing amongst the world's premier racing events," Mr Parnell said.
Works on the remaining redevelopment will commence at the conclusion of the 2023 Magic Millions Carnival.
