MAGIC MILLIONS VIPS ALREADY SADDLING UP
Work? That’s not work, says Seven star Hamish McLachlan as he gets ready to host another glamour Magic Millions festival
AUSTRALIAN sports presenter Hamish McLachlan is already frothing five weeks out from the Gold Coast’s Magic Millions glamour racing and yearling sales festival.
The Australian Open host and Channel Seven star was in form in Broadbeach this week unveiling retired NRL legend Billy Slater as a new Magic Millions ambassador.
As MC – flanked on stage by
Magic Millions co-owners Gerry Harvey and Katie Page – he noted it was becoming a must-do in the calendar even for those not into racing.
It involves a star-studded polo launch on Sunday, January 6, with international pro Nacho Figueras, a beachfront VIP party in a marquee and barrier draw in Surfers Paradise.
McLachlan only half-joking said: “It’s amazing how many people who
you haven’t heard from for years ring wanting a ticket into that party.”
McLachlan now makes a family trip of the week, bringing his wife and three young kids. “I didn’t think it was going to be anywhere near as big or as fun or as perfectly executed as it is. But Katie’s eye for detail in the sales ring to flowers on tables and making sure everyone has everything they need is unparalleled. The marquee they put up on the beach for the VIP party, I could live in that.
“The week isn’t just about a yearling sale or a race day – it’s about a festival that’s a thrill to be a part of.”
Among highlights next month will be royal Zara Phillips getting back
on the horse for the polo while attendees at the sale typically include wealthy sheikhs, ex-English rugby star Mike Tindall and Asian and American racing moguls.
Seven’s Amanda Abate said it was a busy week before she was a Magic Millions ambassador three years ago.
“But it is all just fun. How can you not enjoy it?’’ she tells ATG.
The VIP party marquee on the beach ... I could live in that