WHAT LEADING RACING IDENTITIES THINK OF THE CHANGE

GLEN BOSS

Hall of Fame jockey

“It’s a really strong summer carnival now on the Gold Coast with an extra weekend of quality racing.

“I always love coming back to the Gold Coast to ride and to be able to do it for more than just one weekend is fantastic. (Today) is like the entree. It really gets people in the mood.

“You have your Melbourne Cup week, the big (southern) races in autumn and now they have this. It’s really good.”

TOBY EDMONDS Gold Coast trainer

“I must compliment Racing Queensland and Magic Millions because they are doing their best with what they have got, which is fairly limited. They are making the carnival as good as it can be.

“The 2YO races (today) are a big plus and the extra prizemoney almost assures (the winners) of a Classic start.

“The horses from Sydney win one race and they are virtually in so our guys have to win 1.5 to get a start.

“Hopefully it contiues to grow.”

BJORN BAKER Sydney trainer

“It’s definitely a good thing. I think it’s positive. A race like The Wave is great, we’ve got two runners and a chance to qualify a New Zealand-born horse into the race, which is great.

“I think it’s a good positive move, more of a two-day carnival as opposed to one. Really the summer carnival (in Queensland) I’ve been a big fan of for a while. I like getting up here. I think the horses do really well. It’s a great time of the year and a great place.

CHRIS WALLER Champion trainer

“Racing is a great social event to bring people together to enjoy themselves and see these racehorses compete at their best.

“With Queensland raising their prizemoney, it will attract better horses, better jockeys and bring more trainers together to give the participants a better spectacle. Crowds will grow and everyone that goes to the races buys a new pair of shoes or a dress or goes out to dinner afterwards, so it’s a win-win for everybody.”

BARRY BOWDITCH Magic Millions CEO

“The new Magic Millions races on Aquis race day add another exciting dimension to the summer carnival leading into Queensland’s richest race day (the $10 million Magic Millions program next weekend).

“It’s simply a quality carnival. “The new Magic Millions races enable increased returns to owners and trainers and greater opportunity to be part of the most exciting sales and racing carnival in the world.”