Bowman, Slater in saddle for polo
TOP racing trainers, the jockey of famed racehorse Winx and NRL legend Billy Slater will all saddle up for polo next month at one of the Gold Coast social events of the year.
Slater’s teammates in a celebrity match at January 9’s Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo will be 2021 Melbourne Cup winning jockey James Mcdonald, top trainer Annabel Neasham and Australian polo captain Jack Archibald.
They will face off against Winx jockey Hugh Bowman, trainer Ciaron Maher, ex-top female jockey Katelyn Mallyon and Australian polo team member Alec White.
The polo day at Doug Jennings Park, which kicks off the Star Gold Coast Magic
Millions fortnight-long carnival, also features a professional match between leading Australian players, junior and senior showjumping with a $100,000 prize pool and an exhibition by the Gold Coast’s Outback Spectacular horse troupe.
Katie Page, co-owner of Magic Millions yearling sales, race day and associated festival, said: “We know a fresh start to the year is exactly what everyone needs and we’re hitting the new year with a positive outlook. The Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo has become renowned as the must-attend event on the Coast to start the year – from the high-end fashion scene on show in our incredible marquees, to the families enjoying a picnic day out, we welcome everyone.”
Slater, Queensland’s State of Origin coach, said it would be his third time playing this polo event.
“It’s fair to say the competitor in me certainly takes over, however watching the professionals live gives you great appreciation”.