Published Thursday, 03 May, 2007 at 05:31 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
PREMIER ANNOUNCES MAGIC MILLIONS QUEENSLAND CUP
SEOUL: Premier and Minister for Trade Peter Beattie today announced the inaugural Magic Millions Queensland Cup would be presented at one of Korea’s biggest race meetings in Busan on May 5.
In Korea on the second leg of a three-nation trade mission, Mr Beattie presented the cup to Korea Racing Association (KRA) Chairman Woo-jae Lee.
The Korean horse-racing industry is worth an estimated AUS$7 billion, with Queensland in just four years becoming its largest supplier of bloodstock in the southern hemisphere.
“Gold Coast-based Magic Millions and KRA are sponsoring the US$55,000 cup in this first overseas sponsorship of its kind, with the race restricted to horses sold in Magic Millions sales,” Mr Beattie said.
“Queensland's thoroughbred industry has been successful exporting to Korea, with sales since 2003 earning studs about $9 million in export earnings.”
Already 399 Queensland horses have been sold to Korea, including broodmares, yearlings and two-year-olds.
Many have also had outstanding rides on the country's newest racetrack, Busan.
“Our horses are becoming increasingly popular because of their reputation for stamina and adaptability,” Mr Beattie said.
Some of Queensland’s horses to race the Korean circuit are Purple O’Dea, Rabbits, Minam and Namdo-choegang.
Korean horse buyers are also now regular visitors to Magic Millions sales on the Gold Coast.
Supported by the Queensland Government and its trade offices, Mr Beattie said the sales have followed in-country promotions by Magic Millions.
MEDIA CONTACT: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
3 May 2007
In Korea on the second leg of a three-nation trade mission, Mr Beattie presented the cup to Korea Racing Association (KRA) Chairman Woo-jae Lee.
The Korean horse-racing industry is worth an estimated AUS$7 billion, with Queensland in just four years becoming its largest supplier of bloodstock in the southern hemisphere.
“Gold Coast-based Magic Millions and KRA are sponsoring the US$55,000 cup in this first overseas sponsorship of its kind, with the race restricted to horses sold in Magic Millions sales,” Mr Beattie said.
“Queensland's thoroughbred industry has been successful exporting to Korea, with sales since 2003 earning studs about $9 million in export earnings.”
Already 399 Queensland horses have been sold to Korea, including broodmares, yearlings and two-year-olds.
Many have also had outstanding rides on the country's newest racetrack, Busan.
“Our horses are becoming increasingly popular because of their reputation for stamina and adaptability,” Mr Beattie said.
Some of Queensland’s horses to race the Korean circuit are Purple O’Dea, Rabbits, Minam and Namdo-choegang.
Korean horse buyers are also now regular visitors to Magic Millions sales on the Gold Coast.
Supported by the Queensland Government and its trade offices, Mr Beattie said the sales have followed in-country promotions by Magic Millions.
MEDIA CONTACT: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
3 May 2007