Magic Millions underpins Queensland’s equine exports

Queensland’s reputation as a world-class exporter of quality thoroughbred race horses, and equine equipment and services, will be further enhanced this week with the staging of the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions 2009 Yearling Sale.

Minister for Trade John Mickel attended the sale opening on the Gold Coast today, re-affirming the Queensland Government’s recognition of Magic Millions Sales as a cornerstone exporting business for the State.

Mr Mickel said the Queensland Government’s export agency, Trade Queensland, was continuing to assist in attracting overseas buyers to Queensland to attend Magic Millions events, and help them make their purchases.

“This year’s January Yearling Sale has attracted international interest from Europe, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Korea and the United States, as well as from the cream of Australia’s horse owners, trainers and racing industry representatives,” Mr Mickel said.

“Magic Millions has assisted around 100 overseas visitors to attend this January’s sales, and is expecting many other overseas industry representatives, thoroughbred buyers and associates who have made their own way to the Gold Coast to take part in the event.

“Magic Millions thoroughbred sales have built a strong global reputation as a ‘must attend’ event. This is helping Queensland to build our international reputation for providing quality race horses, and creating valuable opportunities for Queensland’s equine-related industries to build essential business networks and relationships.

“Trade Queensland’s overseas representatives have helped to promote and position Magic Millions in international horse racing industries as a primary source of world-class bloodstock,” Mr Mickel said.

“Our Trade Queensland representatives in Japan, for example, have been assisting Magic Millions for many years, helping to make sales to Japanese buyers in the order of $2 million each year.

“A representative from Trade Queensland’s Japan office is travelling with a delegation of 15 Japanese buyers that I am meeting today, and will provide service and assistance wherever possible for those buyers.

“With Trade Queensland’s help, Queensland is also becoming recognised for our quality jockey training within major overseas racing industries, most notably in Hong Kong,” Mr Mickel said.

More than 1300 horses will go under the hammer at the 2009 Yearling Sale. The 2008 sale generated more than $23 million in export sales.

The first sales commence today, and sessions will continue through to Friday 16 January. The Magic Millions race series for horses from the 2007-08 sales includes a Gold Coast race meeting on January 10, with $4.7 million prize money on offer.

Media contact: Jane Rowe 3237 1125 or David Robertson 3235 4060

7 January 2009