Surfers Paradise transformed itself on Tuesday morning as the annual Magic Millions beach races and barrier draw brought excitement to the coast, paving the way for the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic set for Saturday.
The beach, usually known for its sunbathers, saw throngs of spectators gather to witness top jockeys race against each other on the sandy shores. The morning activities, which kicked off at 6:30 AM, featured thrilling sprint races, with competitions scheduled for 7:15 and 8:15 AM, showcasing some of the best thoroughbreds.
Barry Bowditch, the CEO of Magic Millions, expressed his enthusiasm for the day. “It’s absolutely beautiful morning for the Magic Millions Barrier Draw,” he said. Bowditch noted the vibrant atmosphere as spectators arrived to watch the eagerly anticipated races and behind-the-scenes preparation leading up to Saturday's big event.
The barrier draw, which is pivotal for determining the lineup for the main races, followed the beach races. It brought unexpected news for the favorite Icarian Dream, trained by the well-regarded Ciaron Maher. Originally pegged as the leading contender, Icarian Dream drew the extreme outside gate at barrier 21, which puts her at quite the disadvantage on race day. "Icarian Dream drew barrier 21 for the lucrative event but will exit barrier 16 following the removal of the emergencies," reported news sources following the draw.
On the flip side, the draw was favorable for Invincible Woman, who emerged as the new favorite at $5 after securing barrier 9, right near the front of the pack. This was noted to shake up the betting markets, with Gallo Nero and Icarian Dream closely following at $6 and $7 respectively.
What adds to the anticipation is the presence of the most represented sire at the event, Spirit of Boom, who boasts four runners, including the promising last-start winner La Bella Boom from trainer Tony Gollan. The competition is fierce as the young horses prepare for the highly coveted event.
The beach racing spectacle is not just about the horses; it marks the lead-up to the Magic Millions Yearling Sales, commencing the same day at Bundall. Bowditch encouraged the Gold Coast community to attend, saying, "It’s free to enter, and there should be a big crowd down there as it’s a beautiful spectacle!" He expressed excitement over the quality yearlings available at the sales, which is expected to attract serious bids.
The Magic Millions Carnival is full of tradition and showcases the best of Australian horse racing. With such huge stakes—highlighted by Saturday's $14 million meeting at the Gold Coast—the buzz surrounding these activities encapsulates the passion of fans and competitors alike.
While organizers remain confident the Gold Coast will be ready for Saturday's main events, including the 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas, there remains contingency plans if the condition of the turf deteriorates. The Brisbane Racing Club has been put on standby to host the event at Eagle Farm just in case, ensuring uninterrupted excitement for the racing aficionados who gather to celebrate the Carnival.
Overall, the races at Surfers Paradises and the much-discussed barrier draw set the stage for what is expected to be another thrilling installment of the Magic Millions Race Carnival, enhancing its reputation as one of Australian horse racing's premium events. The combination of community, competition, and quality horses underlines why this occasion earns its place on every racing fan’s calendar.