REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Tuesday, Jauary 6, 2009

PUNTERS across Australia were able to tune into the Magic Millions carnival as the race day was shown live on free-to-air TV for the first time in more than 10 years.

Channel 9 broadcast races four to eight live – including both feature events, the $1.5 million Magic Millions Classic and $1 million Magic Millions trophy.

“It is very significant,” said Magic Millions managing director David Chester.

“Not only for Magic Millions but for the Gold Coast Turf Club, the city and Queensland.

“It will add a whole new dimension to the carnival.”

Today show sports presenter Cameron Williams hosted the coverage alongside cricket commentator and racehorse owner Simon O’Donnell.

Mr Chester said Magic Millions owners John Singleton and Gerry Harvey secured the live broadcast.

But Mr Chester said the broadcast was not for free.

“They’re not doing it for

nothing – it is costing us – but it’s going to be great for Queensland as it’s going free to air right across Australia,” he said. ”It’s really going to lift the profile of the Magic Millions, the Turf Club and the Gold Coast in general.

“I’d say there will be a widespread viewing audience from right across Australia.”

Gold Coast Tourism boss Martin Winter said the broadcast would be invaluable.

“It will showcase one of our most important industries to a huge audience in prime time,” he said. “To have coverage as planned by Channel 9 substantiates how important it is on the national scene.”