Magic Millions 2021: Katie Page delighted sale goes ahead

Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page has lost track of the number of times people have come up to her over the holidays and said they want to buy a share in a horse.

Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page has lost track of the number of times people have come up to her over the holidays and said they want to buy a share in a horse.

“Not one of them has had any previous involvement in the industry,” Ms Page said yesterday. “They see it as a great way to have fun with mates in Australia.”

It also goes some way to explain why the annual Magic Millions yearling sale on the Gold Coast is proving such a success with buyers and sellers that it is on track to beat last year’s $180 million record.

Caitlin Smith and Katie Page at the Magic Millions sales. Picture: Luke Marsden

“What has blown me away is how everyone has done their darnedest to get here,” Ms Page said.

The carnival has been pared down with ambassadors including the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips and Argentinian polo star Nacho Figeuras unable to attend but the sale is bigger than ever.

“The most important thing was to make sure that everyone attending was looked after and all the safety protocols were in place.”

She and Magic Millions co-owner and husband Gerry Harvey drew on their experience keeping their Harvey Norman stores running around the world through the pandemic to ensure every safety standard was met.

Phoebe Phillips with Lot 800 filly, a half sister to Magic Millions starter Miss Hipstar, at the Vinery stables at the Magic Millions sales. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his team in the national cabinet have done an extraordinary job in this country to make sure people feel as safe and confident as they can,” she said.

Among the international visitors attending the sale were the current crop of thoroughbred industry high flyers on Godolphin owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Flying Start leadership program.

Aussie Caitlin Smith, 25, graduates from the program this year and said despite travelling to horse sales all over the world the Magic Millions event was the standout.

“It is incredible,” she said. “There is such a buzz here. My classmates have been blown away. I think it is also because Aussies are so welcoming.”

The sales powered on yesterday with a chestnut colt sired by Not A Single Doubt and owned by Mr Harvey selling for $1 million, taking the total number of yearlings sold for in excess of $1 million past seven. Two other horses came just $25,000 short of hitting the $1 million jackpot.

Originally published as Magic Millions 2021: Katie Page delighted sale goes ahead