Magic Millions 2025: Everything you need to know about rescheduled Friday night races
Friday evening’s rescheduled Magic Millions twilight event will make history in the latest twist to hit the racing carnival. FIND OUT MORE
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Friday evening’s rescheduled Magic Millions will make history as the richest night race meeting ever held in Australia.
The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions – Silks under the Stars is set to have a prize money pool of more than $13m contested across seven races.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the Gold Coast Turf Club, with a 5.30pm kick-off. It was rescheduled after Saturday’s torrential rain forced the abandonment of the main Magic Millions race day program after three races.
Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said all the stops would be pulled out to make the event a success.
“After last Saturday’s unfortunate weather event, we are so excited to welcome owners, trainers, jockeys and all participants to be showcased on the Gold Coast this Friday night,” he said.
“The horses and people involved in our great industry will be the stars under lights. The atmosphere will be electric on and off the track and you simply have to be there to witness the first The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions at night.”
The revamped schedule was devised on Monday morning after meetings between the Gold Coast Turf Club, Racing Queensland and Magic Millions bosses.
A key issue was determining the broadcast of the race meet.
Entry will be free for general admission, with gates opening at 4pm.
The first race, the Magic Millions Subzero begins at 5.30pm, with the $3m Magic Millions 2YO Classic run from 6.03pm.
The $3m Magic Millions 3YO Guineas will be run at 7.45pm.
The last race, the Racing Queensland Magic Millions QTIS Open will be run at 9.55pm
Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said there would be much on offer for ticket holders.
“With free general admission on offer along with special entertainment, we are excited to deliver what will be a memorable night both on and off the track,” he said.
New hospitality packages will be released to the public at 2pm Tuesday, with entertainment to include a laser light show, electric violinist and a “special performance” after the final race.
The washout on Saturday after just three races capped off an eventful week during which the event’s fate hung in the balance following the discovery on January 3 of damage to a large section of turf near the finish line.
The damage forced the relocation of the racing aspect of the first-ever twilight meeting earmarked for January 4 to the Sunshine Coast. Entertainment stayed on the Gold Coast including an Amy Shark show.
All the stops were pulled out to ensure the track was fixed for Saturday just gone, with specialist machinery brought in and experts arriving from Sydney and Melbourne to assist.
However the weather gods had other ideas, with persistent rain on Saturday afternoon making it impossible to continue.
Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said on Saturday the decision to postpone the race was the result of discussions with trainers and jockeys.
“The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday is an iconic national event, and will shine brightest on the national stage under lights on Friday,” he said.
“The safety of our animals and participants is paramount, and unfortunately a heavy downpour following the third race has left the track unsuitable for racing.”
The off-track entertainment still went ahead, including barnstorming performances by Jimmy Barnes and Irish singer Ronan Keating.
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