Hundreds gather for a golden Magic Millions day on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast Turf Club delivered a thrilling Magic Millions event, hosting hundreds after Gold Coast track damage forced a last-minute relocation.

The Sunshine Coast Turf Club has proven itself a first-class venue after stepping in at the last minute to host the Magic Millions racing event, attracting hundreds of racing enthusiasts and delivering an unforgettable day of entertainment.

The prestigious event, originally scheduled for the Gold Coast Turf Club, was relocated due to significant track damage that rendered the venue unsafe for racing.

Nicola Ralph, Jennifer Ralph, Sienna Ralph and Sarah Pottinger ath the Magic Millions race day at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club after the last minute venue change. Photo: Andrew Hedgman

Magic Millions race day at the Sunshine Coast after the last minute venue change. Photo: Andrew Hedgman

Despite the short notice, Sunshine Coast Turf Club chief executive John Miller and his team rose to the challenge.

He said he received the call about 7pm the night before asking if they would be able to host the event.

“I said yes, of course we can do it, it was just about how we can do it and what we can get done,” Mr Miller said.

“We can’t have a meeting of this quality and the prize money and prestige just not happening. It had to happen.”

Magic Millions race day at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club after the last minute venue change. Photo: Andrew Hedgman

Craig and Leanne Kimberley at the Magic Millions race day at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club after the last minute venue change. Photo: Andrew Hedgman

Mr. Miller praised his staff, who worked tirelessly through the night and into the morning to ensure the venue was ready, with some staff members admitting to running on just two hours of sleep.

“It was a bit of a challenge but luckily I’ve got a pretty good team of staff and we run a lot of race meetings,” he said.

Magic Millions race day at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club after the last minute venue change. Photo: Andrew Hedgman

With gates opening at 12pm and the first race kicking off at 2pm, the event ran smoothly and right on schedule.
Among the highlights of the evening was the $3m Sunlight slot race, where Newcastle trainer Nathan Doyle and Welsh jockey Ash Morgan combined for a thrilling victory with their colt, Private Harry.

The colt flattened his rivals, including Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot, leaving Doyle to declare it was all over at the 200m mark.

The emotional trainer, holding back tears, reflected on the monumental win.

“I don’t know what to say … Someone pinch me,” Mr Doyle said.

Private Harry winning The Sunlight on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday night. Picture: Grant Peters

He marked it as the biggest moment of his career in what was described as a David vs. Goliath battle.

The $500,000 The Wave was another highlight of the day, with all races running seamlessly despite the logistical challenges of transporting horses from the Gold Coast amidst weekend traffic.

Originally published as Hundreds gather for a golden Magic Millions day on the Sunshine Coast