Magic Millions Polo raises huge amount to help the bush fire relief effort

The bushfire disaster is at the forefront of the minds of celebrities and spectators at the annual Magic Millions Polo. Celebrities have dug deep with massive donations to the bushfires.

THE bushfire disaster is at the forefront of the minds of celebrities and spectators at the annual Magic Millions Polo.

Big names have been digging deep to the support the Bushfire Relief Fund while at the event in Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach.

Magic Millions ambassadors Zara and Mike Tindall, Billy Slater, Frankie Dettori, Nacho Figueras, Delfina Blaquier, Amanda Abate, Hamish McLachlan and Rob Archibald announced they would collectively donate $50,000 dollars to the appeal.

Magic Millions ambassadors Mike and Zara Tindall. Zara wore a red leopard print Scanlan Theodore dress. Picture: Mike Batterham

The Star Gold Coast has matched the donation.

Australian actor Rebel Wilson, who is at the Polo, auctioned two lunches at her Sydney home, which included a polo lesson with Nacho Figueras. Sold to Arrowfield stud and trainers Gillian and Hoss Heinrichand, the lunchtime auction raised $100,000.

Total donations are currently sitting over $300,000.

Magic Millions co-owner Gerry Harvey said fundraising would continue throughout the carnival.

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Polo star Nacho Figueras, Magic Millions co-owner Gerry Harvey, sports presenter Hamish McLachlan and Star Entertainment Group chief executive Matt Bekier announce donations already made during the Magic Millions carnival. Picture Mike Batterham

“The thoroughbred industry is famous for its generosity, when things happen in the community we always respond,” Gerry Harvey said.

“Vendors will also donate $500 per horse.

“Together all of us are going to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Nacho Figueras said it was important for everyone to get behind the cause as many people involved with Magic Millions are from bushfire ravaged areas.

“It is a privilege to be involved with the carnival,” he said.

“This fundraising effort is so important and close to my heart.”

Mr Figeuras said he was enjoying his time in Main Beach, and his “family was going to the beach everyday”.

Former NRL star Billy Slater and International polo star Nacho Figueras go for a group surf on the Gold Coast ahead of the Magic Millions. L to R: Billy Slater with son Jake, 9, Nacho Figueras with kids Artemio, 10, Aurura, 15, Alba, 6, and wife Delfina Blaquier, and Nicole Slater with daughter Tyla, 11. Pic: Luke Marsden

“We are having a wonderful time on the Gold Coast and catching up with friends, like Billy and Nicole Slater”.

Nicole and Billy Slater at the Magic Millions Polo on the Gold Coast. Picture by Luke Marsden.

With temperatures hitting 33C at the Doug Jennings Park event in Main Beach punters opted for oversized woven hats or fedoras and white attire.

Pacific Fair ambassador Laura Dundovic wore a white Acler midi dress, Martina McGrath millinery and Christie Nicolaides accessories.

Pacific Fair ambassador and model Laura Dundovic opted for a wide brimmed hat to beat the heat. Picture Mike Batterham

“It is a great day for the polo,” she said.

“Even though I love bright colours, I love classic white for these events too.”

TV presenter Abbey Way joined the action and donned blue shorts and vest set from Mossman and Country Road accessories.

The new co-host of Channel 7’s reality show House Rules said she “was having a grand time”.

“I will be here from Wednesday to Sunday, and it will be the longest I have been in one location for a long time,” she said.

“I am really looking forward to it, and also raising much needed funds for bushfire victims.

“I am also looking forward to then coming back to the Coast, it will be the first location for House Rules.”

TV presenter Abbey Way opted for a cute baby blue set. Picture: Mike Batterham

Gold Coast weather presenter Liz Cantor and Channel 7 newsreader Amanda Abate at the Magic Millions Polo. Picture: Mike Batterham

Gold Coast Channel 7 newsreader Amanda Abate looked like a breath of fresh air in a long white and yellow cotton maxi dress from Rebecca Valance, and her friend and weather presenter Liz Cantor wore a white bordie anglaise alice McCALL dress and an Akubra.

“Look at this weather, and everyone is honestly looking stunning,’ Ms Liz Cantor said.

Sam Kennedy, Rebel Wilson, Carly Steel and Jacob Andreou. Magic Millions Polo at the Gold Coast. Picture: Tim Marsden

Men were seen in linen suits, shorts and classic chinos under the warm Gold Coast sun.

Australian ironman Jett Kenney opted for classic polo attire from Zara.

Jett Kenny at the Magic Millions Polo. Picture by Luke Marsden.

The Star ambassador told the Bulletin coming off the back of a nice Christmas break he looked forward to 10 days of on-and-off-track celebrations.

“I love this week, but I also look forward to getting back to training as I have a line up of state and national competitions on the horizon,” he said.

“But I have to say I am very proud that I put this outfit together by myself today.”

A fan takes a selfie with Rebel Wilson at the Magic Millions Polo. Picture: Tim Marsden

Rebel Wilson, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Payne, Matty Johns, Kate Jones, Damien Anthony Rossi, and Zara and Mike Tindall were spotted in the Ferrari VIP marquee sipping champagne and watching the four professional and amateur polo games.

Damien Anthony Rossi and Kate Jones at the Magic Millions Polo on the Gold Coast. Picture: Luke Marsden.

Main Beach resident Georgie McGlashan joined her three best friends in the Grandad Jacks Craft Distillery Enclosure.

“We are really enjoying the atmosphere and it really feels like summer,” she said.

“It is hot, but we have sunscreen and good hats.”

“We are looking forward to champagne and seeing the celebs in action.”

Main Beach resident Georgie Mcglashan and her friends Racheal McAlpine, Lisa Christensen and Tracie Bawden at the Magic Millions Polo. Picture: Mike Batterham

Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo features four games this year (instead of three), a new ‘kidzone’, and a performance from Australian Outback Spectacular.

Billy Slater, Katie Page, Gerry Harvey and Nicole Slater enjoying a day in the sun with thousands of jubilant revellers. Picture: Luke Marsden.

Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page said “attendance is higher and the event has grown each year and it will continue”.