Magic Millions: Suspicious items found near site of racetrack poisoning drama

Sabotage of the Magic Millions track is looking increasingly likely, officials say, after several suspicious items, which are now with police, were found at the Gold Coast racecourse.

Sabotage of the Magic Millions track is looking increasingly likely, officials say, after suspicious items including weed spray nozzles were found at the Gold Coast racecourse.

Queensland’s richest and most prestigious racing carnival has been thrown into turmoil after a key stretch of the Gold Coast Turf Club track was mysteriously poisoned late last week.

Officials are racing the clock to repair the Bundall track in time for this Saturday’s $14.5m Magic Millions race day. Last weekend’s first ever Magic Millions twilight meeting had to be relocated to the Sunshine Coast after the poisoning, which is being investigated by police.

Gold Coast Turf Club chairman Brett Cook said items including three spray nozzles and mixing equipment had been found near the damaged area on the home turn, along with footprints near a canal which adjoins the racecourse.

The area of the Gold Coast track that appeared to have been poisoned before the opening weekend of the Magic Millions. Picture: Supplied

“We’re awaiting an independent report from leading agronomist Craig Easton, who has been up to take samples of the damaged turf, but it’s looking more and more a case of vandalism,” Mr Cook said.

“We know the nozzles aren’t ours because they’re plastic and we use aluminium.

“Craig has seen a number of similar cases in the past and has spoken with the investigating police.

“If it does turn out to be a deliberate act, which is looking increasingly likely, we’re very disappointed with a narrative that has come out suggesting it was some sort of stuff-up on our part.”

Work is underway to remove the poisoned section of track at the Gold Coast Turf club and replace it with new turf ahead of this weekends Magic Million race day Picture Supplied

Gold Coast police Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon confirmed police had seized items including spray nozzles which he said were being analysed and crossmatched with samples from the damaged turf.

Test results from the turf were expected on Tuesday or Wednesday, he said.

Supt Hanlon revealed police have also put up a drone to map the damage from the air and determine spray patterns as part of the investigation.

“We’re not ruling anything or anybody in or out at this stage,” he said.

Track repairs for Magic Millions 2025. Picture: Supplied

“The turf club has been very co-operative but obviously the priority is getting the track repaired so it can be raced on this weekend.”

Detectives are interviewing former and current turf club staff as part of their investigation.

Mr Cook said track repairs, being conducted by the same team which saved the 2022 Melbourne Cup after a protester dumped hundreds of litres of oily sludge on Flemington just hours before the big race, were ahead of schedule and should be finished today.

Gold Coast Turf Club track repairs. Picture: Supplied

He said he was “95 per cent confident” Magic Millions would race on the Gold Coast on Saturday and not have to be transferred to Eagle Farm, the back-up plan.

Mr Cook said forecast rain over the next few days, including up to 15mm on Saturday, should not be a problem and could even help the repairs.

“Forty millimetres might be a problem but it would be for most courses,” he said.

Originally published as Magic Millions: Suspicious items found near site of racetrack poisoning drama