The Gold Coast’s iconic Magic Millions will reach new heights in the coming years, with winter racing, increased prize money and new race meetings announced for 2024 and 2025.
Racing Minister Grace Grace announced the exciting new plans today while launching the 2023 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival at the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping.
“The 2023 Magic Millions will be the best yet, and I’m excited to announce it will get better and better in 2024 and 2025,” Ms Grace said.
“This is an event that supports good jobs and enhances the great lifestyle we live here in Queensland.
“I’m thrilled to see crowds converging on the Coast for all the great events, like today’s polo and showjumping, the barrier draw, the yearling sale and – of course – The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday on Saturday.
“The Magic Millions has an economic contribution of more than $42 million. It brings in 19,000 unique visitors from interstate and overseas and more than 84,000 bed nights are booked over the 14 days of the Carnival and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Sale.”
“I’m also excited to announce enhancements to future editions of the Magic Millions, with more prize money and more racing on the horizon in the coming years, off the back of a $63 million upgrade to the Gold Coast Turf Club that includes broadcast-quality lighting for night racing.”
There will be increased prize money for the Magic Millions in 2024, with the 2YO Classic and the 3YO Guineas marquee races to have their prize pool boosted by $1 million each.
This will bring the prize money on offer for the races up to $3 million each, lifting the total 2024 Magic Millions prize money to $14.25 million.
A $63 million upgrade will bring night racing to the Gold Coast Turf Club, with Magic Millions to introduce a new winter race under lights next year.
A new race meeting in May 2024 will coincide with the Gold Coast ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Weanling, Broodmare & Yearling Sale, and will be headlined by a $1 million Magic Millions ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ 2YO Classic race, run over 1000m.
In 2025 the Magic Millions Cup prize money will double to $2 million, and there will be even more night racing.
A new $5.25 million race meeting will take place on the Friday evening ahead of the traditional Saturday raceday.
This new race meeting will include a $3 million, 1100m slot race for 3-year-old sprinters.
Between the Friday and Saturday meetings, the total 2025 Magic Millions prize money pool will be worth $20 million.
Racing Queensland Chairman Steve Wilson AM said the Magic Millions Carnival captures the imagination of racing fans across the globe.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to maintain its standing amongst the nation’s premier racing events,” Mr Wilson said.
“The Gold Coast Turf Club has solidified its position as one of the state’s most important training and racing facilities on the back of the $63 million upgrade that is presently underway, and that redevelopment has been a catalyst for the introduction of these program expansions.
“The incentive to buy, breed and back in the Sunshine State has never been better, and these innovations are a testament to the strength of the Queensland racing industry.”
Magic Millions Co-owner Katie Page-Harvey said the thoroughbred industry was 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,” Ms Page-Harvey said.
“Today’s announcement from Magic Millions and Racing Queensland creates and builds those compelling opportunities through the introduction of new races, prizemoney increases and greater options for participation.”
2023 – Total Magic Millions Raceday prize money increases to $11.75 million
2024 – Total Magic Millions Raceday prize money increasing to $14.25 million with the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and Magic Millions 3YO Guineas both individually increasing to $3 million in prize money, plus the mew $1 million Magic Millions ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ 2YO Classic to be run on the Gold Coast during the Magic Millions ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Sale in May.
2025 – Introducing Friday night racing, which will see the total prize money across the Magic Millions weekend increase to $20 million.
