Magic Millions sales becomes a spectator sport as ordinary punters flock to see the big spenders in action
GAI Waterhouse paid $1.3 million for a horse at yesterday’s Magic Millions sale but she wasn’t half as excited as Lisa McAsey who scored herself two hats for 20 bucks.
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GAI Waterhouse paid $1.3 million for a horse at yesterday’s Magic Millions sale but she wasn’t half as excited as Lisa McAsey who scored herself two hats for 20 bucks.
“My son and partner are both at work so I thought I better buy them something,” the Robina resident said before showing off her bargain buy from the official merchandise stall.
“And they’re only $10 each. How good is that? Being Magic Millions, I thought they’d be $50 each.”
McAsey represents the other side of the Magic Millions sales.
While Waterhouse and her mates were wheeling and dealing and spending the sort of money that makes Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox salivate, McAsey and her friends were simply having a day out.
A few drinks, a bit of food and a lot of fun.
“This is my first time here and it’s like nothing else,” McAsey said.
“It’s quite incredible. We’ve been inside (the sales arena) to watch a couple of the big sales but are mainly just wandering around … there are so many famous people here and the auctioneers are amazing. I don’t know how they do it.
“I’m so glad I came.”
Such words would be music to the ears of Katie Page-Harvey, who long ago decided she wanted the Magic Millions to be an event that had something for everyone.
That included the week-long sales that, when all is said and done, sees horse after horse paraded in front of potential owners or the people holding their wallets.
In the hands of Page-Harvey and her team though, it’s become a spectator sport. For proof of that, look no further than the mini-grandstand overlooking the 100-plus buyers tables.
“It is different from other sales in that it’s got a mainstream element,” said Aquis Australia chief executive Justin Fung, one of yesterday’s big sellers and buyers.
“You look around and see people who are just popping in for the social aspect.”
A la Lucas Wilson.
“While I’m interested in punting, I’m not sure about buying a horse,” the Jewel Residences sales and marketing director said.
Wilson was at the sales at the invitation of Hot Tomato, the radio station using the event as a setting to entertain a few selected guests. They weren’t alone on that front.
“It certainly wasn’t this busy a few years ago,” Wilson said. “I had to park about 3km away. The car park was chockers.”
Events guru Billy Cross and Hellenika owner Simon Gloftis were other high-profile names to drop in for a couple of hours. They also liked what they saw.
“For me, hands-down, the Magic Millions is the best event we have on the Gold Coast and we need to harness it,” Gloftis said. “I know I look forward to it each year.”
Then there were the Beattys of Bendigo.
“We heard about it on the radio and thought we’d come and see how it works,” Leon Beatty said of wife Belinda and their three children.
That’s right — the Magic Millions has joined Wet & Wild as a box to be ticked on Gold Coast family holidays.
“My daughter loves horses so it’s good to come show her,” Beatty said. “I’d love to buy a horse but the money is ridiculous.”
Almost on cue, Waterhouse put her hand up when the auctioneer asked for a $1.3 million bid on Lot 339.
Big money indeed but at least the Beattys of Bendigo were there to see it happen. After all, these sales are a spectator sport.
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