Gamble pays off

MAGIC $48M RACE DAY

QUEENSLAND racing officials have been pleasantly surprised by the bigger than expected wagering turnover on the two-pronged Gold Coast Magic Millions card.

There were predictions in some quarters of a wagering wipe-out when the majority of the Saturday Magic Millions race day was rescheduled to Thursday when unexpected rain and track issues saw the bumper card stopped after only two races. However, it can now be revealed there was almost $50m of wagering turnover on the Thursday card and an extraordinary $11m of turnover on just two Saturday races which were run in gloomy conditions on a suspect track.

The Thursday wagering turnover result represents a Queensland record for any midweek race day.

“The decision to reschedule the Magic Millions to midweek was participant led and we knew it would impact turnover,” Racing Queensland chief executive Brendan Parnell said. “Nonetheless, (Thursday) turnover of $48.8 million exceeded our expectations and ranks as the highest midweek meeting in Queensland history and the 12th highest of all-time.

“Pleasingly, revenue for the meeting, which helps fund our industry, was only minimally impacted across the Saturday and Thursday cards.

“It demonstrates the widespread appeal of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday which will only get bigger and better next year with the 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas rising to $3 million apiece.”

The total wagering turnover of about $60m over the two Magic Millions days was still well down on the $79.2m of wagering turnover on the 2022 Magic Millions race day.

But considering the circumstances, officials from both Racing Queensland and the Gold Coast Turf Club were delighted with the wagering numbers. Lines said the estimated crowd figure for the wiped-out Saturday Magic Millions was about 18,000, while about 6500 fans turned up on the Thursday.