Magic Millions: Aquis $1.5 million Race Day to go ahead on Gold Coast under strict COVID-19 plan

The first day of the Gold Coast’s big Magic Millions will go ahead with strict COVID-19 protocols amid the Brisbane lockdown.

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THE first of the Gold Coast’s big Magic Millions festival racing days will go ahead today but with strict COVID-19 protocols after Greater Brisbane’s lockdown.

The Aquis $1.5 million Race Day at the Gold Coast Turf Club is a goer from 10am and its organisers hope crowds won’t be greatly affected.

About 6 per cent of pre-purchased online tickets had come from people living in postcodes now in lockdown for 72 hours.

The Magic Millions festival racing days will go ahead. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt) NO

Racing Queensland head honchos got together to work out how the event will be affected by the Queensland government’s swift reaction to a hotel cleaner in Brisbane contracting a super-contagious mutant variant of COVID-19.

Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said the club would follow what has been advised by Racing Queensland and strengthen protocols in its mounting enclosure – open to industry officials and participants only.

“We were the only sport that continued through the best part of 2020, so we are confident with our processes and swift movements to switch back on those procedures to protect the industry participants,” he said.

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Mr Lines said the Gold Coast Turf Club would continue to monitor the situation as information came to hand and that would be provided through their online channels.

Those who go along will enjoy a new TAB Greenhouse, providing the ultimate on-course entertainment destination with premium wagering amenities, racing vision and bar facilities.

Mr Lines: “We’re excited to host the TAB Greenhouse for the first time in Australia as it provides lots of fun and great entertainment for the local punters.”

Enjoying the entertainment will be stylist Clare Anstey and radio host partner Dan Anstey, looking forward to catching up with friends and meeting new people safely.

Stylist Clare Anstey and radio host Dan Anstey ready for race day at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“The best part is meeting new people but of course it will be done from 1.5m away,” Mr Anstey said. “I enjoy the people more than the horses at the races. I’ve done race days and not seen a single horse. I’ve been that busy talking to people.”

The Gold Coast personality said fellow Coasters should make the most of any freedom while they have it.

“Until a vaccine is rolled out we don’t know what tomorrow brings,” Mr Anstey said.

“I hope people appreciate and enjoy what we’ve got on the Gold Coast and enjoy this time we have. We all need to be doing the right thing, which I know the Gold Coast Turf Club will and Queenslanders have done up until now.”

Tickets to the Palms start at $30 and must be pre-purchased online.

Clare and Dan Anstey are excited the event will go ahead. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Those who want tickets to the Beach Club by Moët & Chandon Impérial Ice in the Event Centre can purchase a single ticket for $195 or a table of 10 for $1,950.

Gate tickets are $30 for an adult and free for children (17 and under) and concession.

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