Plan for polo is on track
A STAR-STUDDED polo day kicking off the Gold Coast’s Magic Millions carnival this Sunday will double as a major concert with country music star Adam Harvey saddling up.
The three-time ARIA award nominee is a new addition and will play two sets in the afternoon at Doug Jennings Park, urging punters not to be afraid to call out requests.
Mr Harvey joins horseman extraordinaire Guy McLean as off-field entertainment.
It’s all part of Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page’s plan to turn it into the country’s premier polo event and help bring the sport to the general public.
She told the Bulletin at last year’s inaugural Magic Millions Polo she had a five-year plan to do so – this year includes free entry for kids under 15, with adult entry just $35.
Mr Harvey said he would bring a six-piece band including pianist and it would be his first time playing a polo day.
“I won’t just be doing my own stuff but we’ll do some covers, whatever people want.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s Brown Eyed Girl, Johnny Cash, people can yell out if they like,” he said.
VIPs expected include Royal Zara Phillips, who competed last year and took a tumble, along with her husband and former English rugby player Mike Tindall.
Top Australian professional polo players Rob Archibald and his brother Jack along with Rob’s glamorous partner Francesca Cumani will take part in polo which features three matches on the day.
Mr Harvey said his involvement came about in November after he met Mrs Page and husband
Gerry Harvey, chairman of retail giant Harvey Norman, at a social outing.
“Next thing I know my agent gives me a call and said ‘Someone wants you to go play the polo,” Adam Harvey said.
He plans making a few days of it and enjoying some Magic Millions carnival action on the Coast but said he aim to “duck and weave to avoid Gerry talking me into buying a horse”.
“Credit to Gerry, when I met him he was very down to earth, we were having a beer, talked about fishing, all sorts, had a joke. I felt like he could have been a forklift driver.
“I love it when you meet people like that and they’re still really down to earth.”
Other big names locked in for the polo include Hugh Bowman who has guided champion racehorse Winx to 22 wins and was recently named the world’s best jockey.
One of the world’s best female jockey’s Kathy O’Hara will join him to play in a jockeys versus trainers match.
Argentina’s Nacho Figueras, considered one of the best polo players in the world, will also be saddling up.
The Magic Millions carnival runs until January 16 and is based around the country’s premier yearlings auction. It pumps $20 million plus into the city’s economy.