$1m prize not all show
AN EX-OLYMPIAN has thrown his support behind a $1m injection into a glamour Gold Coast showjumping event.
Olympian Peter McMahon says the whopping boost to the prize pool for the new showjumping contest that has been added to the Magic Millions polo launch event will put Australia on the map for the sport.
Mr McMahon, who represented Australia in show jumping at the Beijing Olympics, has praised decision to have a $1m prize pool – which was revealed on Sunday – for the event and believes it will bring the best competitors to the Gold Coast.
The showjumping had its debut last week at the Magic Millions yearling sales and racing carnival Pacific Fair Polo at Doug Jennings Park.
It was backed by a $100,000 prize pool. Next year, it will be 10 times that after its success.
“It’s really just going to put show jumping on the map in Australia and going forward,” Mr McMahon said of the huge prize money on offer.
“For it to happen now, right when Australia has just put down for the Olympics in 2032, it’s just going to make the sport a hell of lot better, and a bit easier for the guys here in Australia so they don’t have to travel overseas.”
He said it would definitely attract big names to the event.
“It’s just a great initiative … and (would) get our Aussies fit and in a situation where there is big money up for grabs under pressure situations, that's what we get overseas.
“I think it’s definitely a great opportunity for all Australian riders and hopefully we see the best there.”
Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page had told the Bulletin ahead of the Magic Millions race day of the showjumping injection: “A million dollars has never been done in this country.
“We really want to bring our show jumpers through in Australia and the best way of doing it is to put money on the table,” she said.
Magic Millions co-owner Gerry Harvey said: “This will put show jumping through the roof. I love that.”