Racing will shine over summer

AUSTRALIA’S favourite summer racing carnival has arrived.

Over the next two months, the eyes of the nation will focus on the Sunshine State, with more than $20m in prize money and bonuses on offer, culminating with The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions.

In recent years, innovation has been synonymous with the TAB Queensland Summer Racing Carnival, with races such as The Gateway and The Wave providing blockbuster meetings in their own right.

Once again, The Gateway provides a ‘win and you’re in’ to the $1.5m Stradbroke Handicap, and with eyecatching performances from Apache Chase and Go Wandji throughout spring, a local winner may well be on the cards.

Fresh off last week’s Sky Racing Mooloolaba Cup, the action moves to the Gold Coast on Saturday for the Listed Recognition Stakes.

Five consecutive weeks of action at the Brisbane Racing Club culminates in the Magic Millions Prelude Race Day on New Year’s Day, with 15 blacktype races and six chances to secure a lucrative wildcard into Queensland’s richest race day at the Gold Coast.

Back-to-back meetings at Aquis Park then draws the curtain on an incredible summer carnival, but the activity isn’t just confined to the racecourse.

The build-up to the Magic Millions includes amazing experiences such as the polo, beach run and yearling sales.

They also showcase everything that is great about local food, fashion and festivities.

In 2020, these activities contributed more than $38m to the Queensland economy, while being directly responsible for almost 13,000 visitors to the state.

The Palaszczuk Government’s continued support of racing has seen a significant increase in economic contribution across the state.

With more than 12,500 Queenslanders now employed in racing – an increase of more than 1000 over the past two years – the Queensland racing industry continues to make a significant contribution to the state’s economy.

It’s all part of our $14.5bn Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

As border restrictions start to ease, getting vaccinated is the best way for participants to protect themselves, their family, and the racing industry.

I want all Queenslanders to get vaccinated so they can enjoy the exciting calendar of summer racing ahead of us.

With the Palaszczuk Government poised to deliver a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the Gold Coast Turf Club, future editions of the summer carnival will be enhanced through the tracks and lights project.

With crowds returning after limited numbers last year, I encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities and to remain Covid safe.

Good luck to those chasing glory and I look forward to this being the best summer carnival yet.