Magic Millions hits $20m in export sales – with more sales to come

Sales of prime Australian thoroughbred horses to overseas buyers at the 2009 Magic Millions sales have already reached $20 million.

Minister for Trade John Mickel said the Magic Millions thoroughbred sales were achieving impressive results in the face of a serious world economic crisis, and their success was a good sign for the strength of Queensland’s exporting economy.

“So far this year, Magic Millions has recorded sales of more than 160 horses valued at $20.2 million to buyers from Singapore (41), Hong Kong (36), Macau (1), New Zealand (13), Japan (6), South Africa (33), The USA (1), Malaysia (14), France (1), the UK (9) and Ireland (7).

“The biggest horse buying countries by dollar value are currently Hong Kong ($5.505 million), Singapore ($3.897 million), South Africa ($2.375 million), Ireland ($2.115 million) New Zealand ($1.480 million), Malaysia ($1.417 million), Japan ($1.232 million), and the UK ($1.220 million).

“A further two sessions of selling will be conducted on Thursday and Friday of this week, together with the inaugural Summer Carnival Thoroughbred Sale this Sunday.

“These are very significant overseas investments in our State in what are very tough economic times overseas.

“Magic Millions is to be commended for their ongoing commitment to supporting Queensland exports and the quality event that they put on each year on the Gold Coast to attract the biggest and best of Australian and overseas buyers,” Mr Mickel said.

Mr Mickel attended opening day of the sales on 7 January and met with a delegation of Japanese buyers who were being accompanied on their visit by one of Trade Queensland’s officers based in Japan.

“Trade Queensland will continue to assist their overseas racing clients to attend and make their purchases at the Magic Millions sales. The past week has certainly illustrated the value of this assistance both to clients and to Queensland’s economy,” Mr Mickel said.

“One of the major Japanese buyers with whom I met, Mr Teruya Yoshida, went out that very day and purchased a $700,000 bay filly by Redoutes Choice.

“I congratulate Mr Yoshida on his purchase, and wish him every success with the horse’s racing career over coming years,” Mr Mickel said.

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