Magic Millions ready for big finish under lights on the Gold Coast

A crowd of nearly 10,000 will be treated to a big night of racing and entertainment under lights at the Gold Coast Turf Club.

The Gold Coast is preparing to deliver a grand finale for the Magic Millions after heavy rain wiped out last Saturday’s major race day.

A crowd of nearly 10,000 will be treated to top-level racing and entertainment under lights at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Friday night.

Jimmy Barnes and Ronan Keating save the day at Magic Millions Gold Coast Turf Club wash out

The big bets and market movers for Friday’s Magic Millions meeting at the Gold Coast

Organisers have thrown open the gates, offering free entry, laser and light shows and a performance by popular DJ Mashd N Kutcher.

“With free entry for general admission and some limited corporate hospitality tickets available, we are really looking forward to attracting a big crowd and putting on a real show,” Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said.

“It has been a huge effort by all stakeholders to be able to turn things around in just a few days and we are looking forward to celebrating with everyone on Friday night.”

There is still $13m in prizemoney on offer, including $3m in the feature Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

The race offers a $500,000 Racing Women Bonus for connections of female-owned horses.

That should ensure Invincible Woman, a bay filly trained by Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans, is a crowd favourite.

Magic Millions 2YO Classic fancy Invincible Woman and trainer Lucy Yeomans at the her stables in Bundall on the Gold Coast. Picture: Adam Head

Ms Yeomans is not only trainer but also part of a 16-woman ownership syndicate.

“She’s the first horse I’ve properly owned in my name and I’ve fluked a fast one,” Ms Yeomans said.

“Being an owner and trainer doesn’t really change things for me. I feel like I own the other horses I train anyway, I just love them so much.”

In another boost for the Friday night feature, Channel 7 will broadcast the two main races during its Big Bash League coverage.

Night racing at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said owners, trainers, jockeys and all participants were excited for a big night.

“The horses and people involved in our great industry will be the stars under lights,” he said.

“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.”

Gates open at 4pm, with the first race at 5.30pm.

Originally published as Magic Millions ready for big finish under lights on the Gold Coast