Thoroughbreds race along Surfers Paradise beach ahead of Magic Millions barrier draw

Thoroughbred horses thundered along Surfers Paradise beach today ahead of the Magic Millions barrier draw — but the Queen’s granddaughter was not able to attend.

Almost a dozen thoroughbred horses thundered along the beach on the Gold Coast today ahead of the barrier draw for the $10 million Magic Millions race day.

“It is so exhilarating, where else in the world can you do this?” tipster Lizzie Jelfs said. “I am in a pinch me moment right now.

“You never lose that love of the wind blowing in your face and going as fast as you can and the horses absolutely loved it too.”

Among the jockeys charging down the sand at Surfers Paradise were Brenton Avdulla, Andrew Dittman and Zac Lloyd.

Veteran jockey Robbie Fradd sat at the back of the pack and enjoyed the spectacle.

Jockeys ride through the water during the 2022 Magic Millions Barrier Draw at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“For an old bloke I just sit behind, I don’t want to get too involved. There is a big net at the end and you have to pull up hard or end up in it,” he said.

Jockey Brett Pebble said: “It’s a lot of fun and the horses enjoy it, they get on the bridle.”

He favoured the hard sand along the water’s edge rather than the soft sand further up the beach. “It’s a heavy 10 out wide,” he said.

First beach race ahead of the Magic Millions barrier draw. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater was not able to ride this year but he was on the beach to receive the trophy as it was delivered to the sand by surf lifesavers.

His eye was on the $10 million race day on Saturday where he said Coolangatta in the 2yo Classic “will be hard to beat”.

The bay filly drew barrier 13, which trainer Cairon Maher said was “perfect”.

Jockeys race during the 2022 Magic Millions Barrier Draw in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Slater was missing fellow ambassadors Zara Tindall, the Queen’s granddaughter, and Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras, who could not attend because of international Covid restrictions.

Slater, who also breeds and trains horses, was heading straight out to the yearling sales after the barrier draw.

“I’m looking for some fillies so we will see how we go,” he said.

Jockeys charges down the sand at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Magic Millions co-owner Gerry Harvey was delighted the traditional race across the beach was able to go ahead.

“It’s been a day to day proposition. It’s not a miracle but close to it,” he said. “We are out here in the sea air and it’s a safe way to enjoy the day.”

His co-owner and wife Katie Page said: “There are thousands of people who have come to see this. It is fantastic to see that we can do a great event safely outside and the weather is fabulous.

“This is a fantastic way for people to experience racing and everything Australia and the Gold Coast has to offer in a safe way,” she said.