Queensland’s biggest horse racing event secures a winning future

Queensland’s biggest horse racing event, the Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast, has secured its future after the Palaszczuk Government committed to a new five-year funding deal. 

Acting Tourism and Sport Minister Scott Stewart said the deal secured through Tourism and Events Queensland extended the government’s support of the event through to 2028.

“The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival and National Sales is an iconic Queensland event, attracting a crowd of 19,000 unique visitors from across the country and the world,” he said.

“It’s one of the richest events on the calendar, with a whopping $11.75 million in total prize money up for grabs on top of a world-renowned sales catalogue.

“This event is about more than racing, the Magic Millions Carnival and National Sales has a jam-packed schedule of events that sees renowned owners, horse racing identities and spectators enjoying our great Gold Coast lifestyle.”

Magic Millions co-owner, Katie Page-Harvey said Magic Millions partnership helped ensure the event would continue to be on a winning streak for years to come. 

“The ongoing success of the Magic Millions’ partnership with Tourism Events Queensland is based on a mutual focus for growth – growth in the Magic Millions’ event offering, overall attendance, national and international profile and aiming for the broadest possible appeal for visitation,” she said.

Acting Minister Stewart said events like Magic Millions put Queensland on the map for domestic and global tourists alike, which would go on to support local businesses and tens of thousands of good jobs.

“The event will see 84,674 bed nights booked over the 14 days of the Carnival and National Sales – injecting an estimated $42 million into the Queensland economy,” he said.

“With images of the Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches beamed into households across the globe, this event will also keep Queensland top of mind for potential travellers, which will help create good jobs for our tourism industry.

“For years to come, the eyes of the racing world will remain firmly fixed on the Gold Coast every January as the city that not only puts on world-class racing but promotes Queensland’s lifestyle.”

The Magic Millions Carnival has a catalogue of events on until the 17 January with its first major event, the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping, kicking off on Sunday.

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Media contact: Ruby Wallace 0415 476 743