CUP QUEEN TO HIT COAST FOR MAGIC WEEK
The VIPs coming for the Gold Coast’s Magic Millions horse sales and racing festival week just keeps growing.
The Melbourne Cup’s first female winning-jockey Michelle Payne will be among big names on the Glitter Strip during the yearling auction festival punctuated by one of Australia’s richest race days at the Gold Coast Turf Club.
She’ll be joined during the festival starting this Sunday with polo by Royal Zara Tindall and husband Mike, England’s former rugby captain, Queensland Origin coach Billy Slater, plus Argentine polo star Nacho Figueras and wife Delfina Blaquier.
Ms Payne, among a highpowered private annual Magic Millions ‘Women with Horsepower’ luncheon hosted by Star, said: “It is a privilege to be involved in Women with Horsepower and be a part of a group of accomplished women who are making waves in their own fields.”
The winner of five Group One races and Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductee said she was “delighted” to join Gold “community champions” for the event: “If I can help inspire others, then I am very grateful.”
The luncheon started in 2020 spotlights women in racing and female pioneers in business, arts and culture and sport. The Star Gold Coast CEO Jessica Mellor said Women with Horsepower was launched to provide a unique Magic Millions experience and celebrate women who transform communities.
“The calibre of this event has gone from strength to strength continuing to elevate the discussion on female role models and leadership.
“I’m delighted Michelle will be part of the conversation this year as someone who has defied stereotypes in racing but also built connections across so many different industry and community sectors,” Ms Mellor said.
Magic Millions Raceday is January 13 with a record $14.5 million prize pool for 11 races.