Magic Millions attracts huge crowd at Gold Coast Turf Club as rain puts rest of race card in limbo

A huge crowd packed the Gold Coast Turf Club for the Magic Millions but rain has forced organisers to postpone the final seven races and entertainment until Friday night under lights.

Magic Millions race day downpour ensues after race three - with the day on pause and Lilli Peak making the best of it.

The Magic Millions race day has attracted a huge crowd but with a downpour after just three races were run, organisers are planning to return on Friday night under lights.

The Gold Coast Turf Club had opened the gates early on Saturday morning to let in the hundreds queuing early for Queensland’s richest race day.

In what had already been a week filled with drama after a key section of track was damaged, organisers had to contend with a huge downpour which has postponed the final seven races.

They include the $3m Two Year Old Classic and $3m Three Year old Guineas.

Sources close to the Magic Millions said as of about 2pm the “optimistic” view was the rain clears, the track drains well and some of the rest of the card may be able to continue.

But by 3pm it became clear that was not going to happen - and a decision was made to schedule the final seven races at the Gold Coast Turf Club under lights this coming Friday night.

Gerry Harvey, Zara Tindall, Katie Page and Mike Tindall at the Magic Millions race day. Picture by Luke Marsden.

Irish star Ronan Keating played multiple sets for the VIP marquee which was rocking by the afternoon despite the races being a washout. And just after 5pm Aussie rock legend Jimmy Barnes cranked up his scheduled concert.

Earlier, Gold Coast punters turned out in force this morning as gates opened early at the Magic Millions, with organisers hoping to avoid wet-weather queuez.

The event faced uncertainty earlier this week when a section of the Gold Coast Turf Club track was found damaged in a suspected act of sabotage, prompting a police investigation.

Urgent repairs, including the transplantation of 250 square meters of turf, were completed in time for the main race day.

Crowds of punters, racing insiders, and A-list celebrities flocked to the track, with Olympian Ariarne Titmus, NRL legend Billy Slater, and model Laura Dundovic among those soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

People rushing for cover on a wet Magic Millions Race day at Gold Coast Turf Club, Saturday, January 11, 2025. Picture: Richard Walker

For Titmus, the Magic Millions was a first-time experience, and she relished the relaxed coastal vibe. “It’s not just about the races; it’s about the community, the fashion, and the fun,” she said.

“I’ve never actually been to the Magic Millions before, so it’s nice to finally be at a raceday in Queensland, here on the Gold Coast with Mum and Dad – I’m excited.”

She said the day captured the Gold Coast’s unique charm.

“It’s a very relaxed feeling, which is nice. It’s got that competition, but you still feel like you’re by the beach, which I really love.

“I love the fashion and dressing up … but watching the races is my favourite.

“The synergy between horse and jockey is amazing.”

In comments in the morning that proved prophetic and didn’t age well, Slater, who brought his family to enjoy the day, commended the event’s resilience after a stormy morning.

Nicole and Billy Slater at the Magic Millions race day. Picture by Luke Marsden.

“Not just the week but this morning, there was torrential rain where I was in Main Beach, but the sun is out now, and those horses looked like they got around the track nicely,” he said.

“The Gold Coast is such an iconic spot for this event. It’s not just a race day or a sale – there’s show jumping, the beach gallop, and it’s a great way to start the year.”

Meanwhile, Ms Dundovic dazzled on the Fashion on the Fields stage as a judge and in a standout red ensemble.

“I love this event because it’s where racing meets fashion, and it’s such a fun day to celebrate both,” she said.

A heavy downpour after race three has put the Magic Millions race day in limbo.

Despite cloudy skies and lingering concerns about rain, the crowd’s enthusiasm was undeterred, with visitors from across the country keen to enjoy a day of racing and fashion.

“We’re looking forward to it – it’s good to see the track got repaired just in time, and hopefully the rain holds off for some good racing,” said James Rose, a local punter.

Sydney visitor Grace Algozzino said - ironically as it has turned out - she and her group wouldn’t let the weather spoil their excitement.

“It’s our first time here, so we really wanted to be here rain, hail, or shine,” she said.

“Everyone is so lovely up here – down to earth and easygoing.”

The vibrant atmosphere extended beyond the racetrack in the morning, with long-time fashion friends Athena Lin and Angela McCormick reuniting for the event.

Angela, a Tweed Heads local, picked Athena up from the airport just this morning after weeks of exchanging outfit ideas.

Both women wore handmade pieces, with Angela showcasing an orange jumpsuit crafted from fabric scraps.

“It’s a really lovely community,” Ms. McCormick said. “The Gold Coast is all about fun, and usually it’s stinking hot, so I thought, why not go bold with an orange jumpsuit?”

The Magic Millions is also a reunion for many seasoned attendees like Karen Cacciotti, who comes up every year.

Kirsty Maida, MacKenzie Niven, Ciarn Niven and Brooke Vincent enjoying the Magic Millions at Aquis Park, Gold Coast. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“The Gold Coast to me emits colour and freshness,” she said, dressed in a bright and cheerful outfit despite the gloomy weather.

“It’s a little more relaxed compared to Sydney and Melbourne – they’re quite tense, whereas the Gold Coast is all about enjoying yourself.”

While most punters are confident the event will go ahead, some are cautious about how the wet conditions may affect the day.

“I was here a couple of years ago when it got cancelled, and this isn’t nearly as bad, but I’m not sure the favourites will hold up on a wet track,” Ms. Cacciotti added.

Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said the decision to postpone the final seven races came after talks with trainers and jockeys, along with the turf club, Magic Millions and Queensland Racing Integrity Commission stewards.

“The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions race day is an iconic national event and will shine brightest on the national stage under lights on Friday.

“The safety of our animals and participants is paramount and unfortunately the heavy downpour following the third race has left the track unsuitable for racing.”

Originally published as Magic Millions attracts huge crowd at Gold Coast Turf Club as rain puts rest of race card in limbo