Magic Millions on a roll as the event rides wave of success to next year’s much-anticipated $10 million race day

MAGIC Millions has barely even kicked off, but owner Gerry Harvey already knows it’s going to be roaring success.

Magic Millions horse racing carnival held at the Gold Coast. Katie Page with husband Gerry Harvey at the Magic Millions. Picture by Scott Fletcher

IT was only open day at the Magic Millions sales and Gerry Harvey was already flagging that the best was yet to come.

The carnival co-owner said they were on a roll and they were going to ride their wave of success, with next year’s $10 million race day the talk of the town as Australia’s richest racing event.

Mr Harvey said nobody thought it would be possible for a Queensland-based company to knock off NSW and Victoria.

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French horse trainer Criquette Head-Maarek and horse trainer Gai Waterhouse with horse Lot 374 out of the Gerry Harvey owned Baramul in NSW. Picture by Scott Fletcher

“Now everyone is saying is it possible to be even better,” he said. “Most would say you can when you’re on a roll. You need to be on a roll and we’re definitely on a roll.

“It’s a shame the potential hasn’t been recognised earlier.

“You’d think this could be so much better. The breakthrough is significant and it’s worth working really hard at.”

Mr Harvey and wife Katie Page arrived at the weekend for yesterday’s open day as trainers and buyers began to roll in to start inspections ahead of Wednesday’s first official sale day.

A racing panel was yesterday’s highlight, featuring the Queen’s racing manager John Warren, leading northern hemisphere female trainer Criquette Head-Maarek and Daily Telegraph editor Paul Whittaker.

“From a Gold Coast point of view, everyone I talk to on the Gold Coast, they love Magic Millions,” Mr Harvey said.

“It’s becoming more national and that’s what we’ve been ­aiming at.

“We’d argue it was Queensland’s No. 1 event against Indy, now I don’t think there’s no argument.

“When you’ve got a No. 1 one event, you grow it even more,” he said.

Mr Harvey said people were already saying this sale was the best ever and the feedback had been great.

Mrs Page said everyone was flying in following Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“The weather is great, the grass is green,” she said.

“Two months ago Australia didn’t look too good.

“And now look at this — it looks so good.”