Magic Millions Gold Coast: Photo gallery of polo, showjumping and fashions

The Gold Coast’s annual Magic Millions race day is set for an incredible change in 2023 which will put it among the top three events of its kind in the world. SEE THE PHOTO GALLERY

The Gold Coast’s annual Magic Millions race day is set for an incredible change in 2023 which will put it among the top three events of its kind in the world.

The prizemoney for the event will receive a $1.5m boost, taking the pool to $11.75m. Two extra races will be added.

The two new “world-first innovative races” – the Magic Millions The Syndicate (1200m, 3YOs & up) and Magic Millions The Debut (900m, 2YO) – will be run on January 14, 2023.

It will make the Gold Coast event Australia’s first to stage eight individual $1m races in one day, beaten only by the Dubai World Cup meeting and day two of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

PHOTOS: Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping

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Minister Grace Grace Picture: Zak Simmonds

Racing Minister Grace Grace said it was “fantastic” to see the event grow.

“The upcoming expansion provides even more reason for racing and equine enthusiasts to come, stay and see everything the Gold Coast and Queensland has to offer, including the world-famous beach gallop; barrier draw; and yearling sales,” she said.

The Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) will also double in prizemoney from $250,000 to $500,000 and will relocate from the Aquis Wave race day.

The $250,000 Magic Millions Maiden will be run as part of Aquis Wave race day, providing almost $13.5 million in prizemoney and bonuses across both Gold Coast meetings.

Racing Queensland Chairman Steve Wilson . (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

Racing Queensland chairman Steve Wilson said the incentive to buy, breed and back Queensland racing “has never been better”.

“The success of traditional syndicators and now micro-syndication has been well documented in recent years, and through the addition of The Syndicate, it can scale new heights with hundreds of owners descending on the Gold Coast Turf Club to participate in the Magic Millions, sharing in the ownership journey,” he said.

“In conjunction with the $2m The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic, The Debut offers an incredible opportunity for owners to obtain an immediate return, and to reinvest in Queensland racing.”

Magic Millions CEO Barry Bowditch. Picture Glenn Hampson

Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said the 2023 race day expansion would “benefit all sectors of the industry”.

“The introduction of these two innovative races to The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions race day will drive significant growth in participation and investment, both new and renewed,” he said.

“Syndicators across Australia provide an integral pathway to making racing accessible and The Syndicate will enable those large ownership groups to come together and experience one of the biggest and best race days in the world – on the Gold Coast.

“These new races will be enormously exciting and will broaden the reach of the race day.”