Eagle Farm put on standby to host Magic Millions meeting if Gold Coast turf fails

A back-up track has been chosen to host the Magic Millions should the Gold Coast not get up in time for Saturday’s meeting.

The Gold Coast faces a race against the clock to be ready to race in time for Saturday. Picture: Supplied

Queensland’s premium racetrack has been put on standby to host Saturday’s super rich Magic Millions meeting, with the Gold Coast facing a race against the clock to be ready in time.

Magic Millions and Racing Queensland officials have settled on Eagle Farm in Brisbane as the back-up venue to host Saturday’s Magic Millions.

While organisers remain confident the damaged turf at the Gold Coast will be repaired in time to host Saturday’s $14m meeting, which features the $3m 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas, the Brisbane Racing Club have been told to prepare as if they are hosting the meeting.

The new turf has been laid down at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Picture: Supplied

Eagle Farm was settled on, with the track already hosting a secondary metro meeting on Saturday.

Organisers were forced to make the 11th hour switch to the Sunshine Coast last Friday night after stewards deemed the track unsuitable to race on for The Wave meeting last Saturday.

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The meeting was hosted successfully by the Sunshine Coast Turf Club, however the Gold Coast Turf Club still hosted their hospitality packages and had trophy presentations on the Glitter Strip.

A decision on where the meeting will be hosted will be made by Thursday afternoon.

Originally published as Eagle Farm put on standby to host Magic Millions meeting if Gold Coast turf fails