The $10 million prize pool for the Magic Millions Raceday in 2016 is on everyone’s minds in the sales yards

THE $10 million prize pool for next year’s Magic Millions Raceday is the talk of the sales yards with everyone vying for their piece of the action.

Magic Millions Preview of sales - Mill Park Stud's Lot 185 a Bay Colt by Redoute's Choice and Dances on Waves is expected to be the highest price horse at the sales, pictured also is Kellie McCarthy Pic by David Clark

THE $10 million prize pool for next year’s Magic Millions Raceday was the talk of the sales complex yesterday, as buyers looked over yearlings they hoped would “show them the money” in 2015.

Racing identity Tom Magnier, from Coolmore Stud, who last year shelled out more than $2.3 million for broodmare Monsoon Wedding at the National Sale in May, said the prizemoney gave buyers a real incentive.

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Magic Millions Preview of sales — Trainer Gai Waterhouse. Pic by David Clark

“Everyone has an incentive now to go and buy the horses,” he said. “All the right people are here this year — there is no one missing.

“The horses look great and the chat around the place is that they are very good.”

The prizemoney was an obvious motivator for champion trainer David Hayes, who looked over dozens of yearlings yesterday before selecting the final lots he was going to bid on.

Magic Millions owner Gerry Harvey. Pic by David Clark

“We will definitely be buying,” he said.

“There is a good group of them (yearlings) around.

“You have to shop hard. But hopefully we can buy the favourite and the second favourite for the race like this year.”

Magic Millions co-owner Gerry Harvey talked up the prizemoney to anyone he came across at the Bundall saleyard.

“People can come and buy horses at this sale and come back year after year after year and race them in these million-dollar races,” he said.

Zara Phillips arrives with baby Mia at the Gold Coast airport for the Magic Millions carnival. Photo Scott Fletcher

“They are not competing against an imported horse.

“You have to buy the horse at this year’s sale for a chance to be part of the carnival.

“That will certainly appeal to certain people. Where necessary I am running out and telling people that.”

The hot and stormy conditions took a toll on the yearlings yesterday, with many of the normally highly strung animals looking lethargic as the rain rolled in.

Magic Millions Preview of sales — Hayley Andrews from Rosemont Stud takes one of there horses for a walk during a shower of rain. Pic by David Clark

Last year Mr Harvey and his wife Katie Page-Harvey netted $86 million from the yearling sale and a higher $90 million target has been set for this year. Almost 1000 horses, including 960 yearlings, will go under the hammer between tomorrow and Tuesday.

The main social events for the Magic Millions carnival roll out from today with the RM Williams launch party on Surfers Paradise Beach, which will be attended by a long list of A-listers including the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips.