LIGHT UP NIGHTS

BRING on balmy Magic Millions nights.

The Gold Coast Turf Club chairman Brett Cook believes it is a matter of when, not if, race meetings are held at the host venue for the Magic Millions big day out in the evening. Let’s hope so.

It would just be another typically appealing innovation for the Magic Millions that helps to keep it going to the next level.

It’s increasing popularity was again on show this past week — with impressive turnouts for its polo launch at The Spit, beachfront barrier draw in Surfers Paradise, five record-setting days of yearling sales and Saturday’s big race day.

The only gripe on the day was stifling heat. Often in the 30 degrees-plus zone, the idea of the Magic Millions race day starting late afternoon and heading into the evening and cooler conditions for all seems the smart way to go.

Trainer Tony McEvoy appealed to event bosses for it, with moves already in place to install lights as part of a club masterplan.

With typical candour and hint of a smile, Magic Millions co-owner Gerry Harvey noted the more horses Mr McEvoy bought at the sales, the more “say he will get”.

But it is no doubt something organisers are right behind — and it will turn the Magic Millions into even more of a winner.