Magic Millions jockeys to wear AirPods at Gold Coast on Saturday

Senior racing writer Ben Dorries reveals exclusive details of a funky broadcast plan for Gold Coast Magic Millions day.

The Gold Coast Magic Millions is poised to revolutionise racing coverage with elite jockeys to wear AirPods during the $14.25m race day to provide Channel 7 viewers with unprecedented insight.

Unlike Racing Victoria’s failed plan for jockeys to wear interactive earpieces during races, the Channel 7 plan involves handing jockeys AirPods before the race jump.

Select jockeys would wear them behind the gates before the 11 lucrative Magic Millions day races, being connected for live interviews with commentary legend Bruce McAvaney and other Seven commentators.

Jockeys would simply put one of the AirPods in their ear, before taking it out and giving it back to an audio assistant.

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The plan, which still hinges on final technical tests and checks later in the week, could provide a great insight for punters and also help engage the new generation by bringing the personalities of jockeys into Australian lounge rooms in the vital moments before big races.

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Craig Williams is a supporter of the concept.

“I think that anything that helps bring racing a new audience is terrific, as long as the safety of horse and rider and never compromised,” Williams told Racenet.

Craig Williams supports concepts that help fan engagement in racing. Picture: Getty Images.

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Queensland Jockeys’ Association boss Glen Prentice has briefed jockeys and said they were generally on board with the plan.

“The jockeys were very receptive in Queensland and that was the same as the Sydney jockeys,” Prentice said.

“I didn’t get much of a response from the Victorian jockeys but normally with these things, it’s one in, all in. I think it’s a great way to go forward with fan engagement and, as long as everything is done properly, it should be a real winner.”

Commercial TV executives are well aware that racing doesn’t sell itself and faces increasing competition from cashed-up rival sports.

It is understood the AirPods plan for Gold Coast Magic Millions day has been ticked off by Queensland stewards and other race day officials.

It is unlikely, however, there will be in-depth chatter about race tactics just before the race jump.

Other sports are increasingly embracing technology which helps viewers to feel connected with the stars of world sport during live play.

AirPods have been used in golf coverage over the last 12 months, with stars such as Rory McIlroy buying in and conducting live interviews on the course with broadcasters during big tournaments.