The 2025 Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival is currently facing uncertainty as authorities investigate potential damage to the turf track, which may have been caused by poison. This incident has cast a shadow over the prestigious $14 million Magic Millions main race, originally slated to be held at the Gold Coast Turf Club.
According to Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon, the damage could have originated early last week, potentially from herbicides used improperly. "It appears the damage may have been caused early last week… and it could be caused by some form of herbicide," he stated, affirming the need for thorough investigations.
Last Friday, following reports of discolored areas on the track, authorities took immediate action. The carnival's opening day was hastily relocated to the Sunshine Coast due to safety concerns, causing significant disruption to planning and operations. Hanlon confirmed police are reviewing security camera footage and interviewing staff to assess whether there was any unauthorized access to the site.
Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines echoed the concerns about the condition of the track. He remarked, "We're not privy to comment on it currently," as investigations continue. The fate of the main event, including the much-anticipated Magic Millions 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas, now hinges on the rapid repair of the affected section of the track. Lines noted, "A team of experts is working to repair the damage," with new turf being sourced and laid down.
Horse trainer Harry Richardson expressed disappointment over the trend of issues facing the Gold Coast track. He said, "It is just sad... ever since the new track has gone down at the Gold Coast they've had nothing but hiccups, problems." His reflections echo the sentiments of many within the racing community, who hope for the future stability of the venue.
On the ground, track staff remain the backbone of the recovery efforts. They are confident they can replace the damaged 25m x 10m section of the turf track with new grass sourced from the 2200m starting chute. Racing Queensland chief executive Jason Scott stated, "We expect to have [the work] done by around Tuesday and then we will need to put horses over it to test it." Testing the new section will be pivotal; if deemed safe, the event will proceed as planned.
Despite the current turmoil, the atmosphere at Surfers Paradise has brightened as hundreds of spectators gathered for the Magic Millions beach race and barrier draw. Celebrities mingled with top jockeys, adding excitement to the seaside event as confidence builds about resuming the main events at the Gold Coast.
Meanwhile, contingency plans are being formulated should the necessary repairs fall through. Options include relocating the races to other venues, such as Eagle Farm or the Sunshine Coast, which are ready to accommodate the event if needed. Scott noted, "We don’t want to be leaving it to chance, so we need to get in and make a decision early enough to let everyone know." This proactive approach is intended to minimize the potential impact on the carnival's extensive hospitality arrangements.
Overall, the Magic Millions Carnival holds significant cultural and economic importance for the Gold Coast region, and stakeholders remain hopeful for timely resolutions. The coming days will be pivotal, not just for the racing community, but also for the local economy as excitement mounts for the high-stakes events on the horizon.
Authorities are set to make announcements as assessments of the new turf draw nearer, with the jockeys scheduled to gallop over the repaired section of the track later this week. The outcome of these trials will dictate whether the Magic Millions can proceed at its home turf or if adjustments must be made. Despite the challenges, the collective spirit of collaboration among all involved hints at the resilience of the Gold Coast racing scene.