VIN’S SOFT SPOT FOR MAGIC MILLIONS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Gold Coast Turf Club January 15, 9am – 5pm
EVENT GUIDE
8.45am – Gates open members first 9am – Gates open
11am – Corporate Areas Open
Race 1 – 12.15pm Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1200m)
Race 2 – 12.50pm Magic Millions Open Qlty Hcp (1800m)
Race 3 – 1.25pm Audi Centre Gold Coast Magic Millions Subzero (2400m)
Race 4 – 2pm TAB Magic Millions F&M (1300m)
Race 5 – 2.35pm It’s Live! In Queensland Magic Millions Snippets (1200m)
Race 6 – 3.15pm Magic Millions Cup (1400m)
Race 7 – 4pm The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) Race 8 – 4.45pm Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) Race 9 – 5.20pm Racing Queensland Magic Millions QTIS Open Qlty (1300m)
TICKETS
Buy general admission tickets at gctc.com.au
Adult general admission $50 Children (17 and under) and concession $25
GETTING THERE COURTESY BUS: There will be a free race day courtesy bus service running between Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Nerang Station, Runaway Bay and Coolangatta. Both members and public parking will be available.
Due to the overwhelming demand for carparking on race day, the club recommends the use of public transport, taxi services, ride share, personal vehicle hire or arrangements to be dropped off. DROP OFF AND PICK UP: There will be dedicated drop-off and pickup zones for taxis, ride share and private vehicles. Patron drop-off zones at designated locations on Racecourse Drive.
VIN Cox no longer has the pressure of overseeing one of the biggest horse racing events in the southern hemisphere.
But this week, he’s just delighted to lap up the action at the Gold Coast Magic Millions – both as spectator and prospective buyer.
His time, talents and stresses now lie elsewhere. After making the jump to a managing director role at Godolphin Australia in 2018, Mr Cox says he still has a “soft spot” for the event he proudly fostered for seven years.
“I loved every minute of it, and if I was still in my (Magic Millions) role, I’d still be loving it,” he said.
“I miss it a lot. It’s something that I was so much a part of and thoroughly enjoyed. I get nostalgic about it every time I come here.
“It’s exciting to see that some of the things I put in place that worked really well are still being rolled out.”
However, when Godolphin came knocking, Mr Cox said, “there was an opportunity to work with a global organisation who are prominent players in the horse racing and breeding world.”
Even for someone as seasoned as Vin, it’s a bit of an understatement.
Godolphin is helmed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, spanning four continents from a home base in Dubai.
There’s no doubt that Godolphin has made an indelible mark in the industry throughout the Middle East, United States, Japan and Australia.
They are among the ultra-elite of horse racing globally, notching up over 5000 first place victories worldwide.
But Mr Cox, being the laid-back guy he is, kept it simple.
“At the end of the day I’m a horse guy. I love the breeding and I love the racing – so it’s ultimately what appealed to me about the (Godolphin) role.”
He says Godolphin Australia had multiple properties around the country and the bloodstock and racehorses being produced were “extraordinary”.
“When you’re dealing with these amazing properties and the quality of horses, it was a very exciting proposition for me to get on board with.”
Mr Cox said he was thrilled to see the Magic Millions event still growing.
“It continues to flourish and is getting bigger and better year after year. Magic Millions ties in well with the rest of the industry but is probably leading from the front.
“It’s a very dynamic firm. The team thinks outside the square.
“They’re not traditionalists in the true sense of the word. They are all about trying new concepts and attracting new people to the game.”
He said Magic Millions still possessed the allure of its namesake.
“It really is magic. What you have here is a unique environment taking place at a wonderful time of year – and it all happens in one of the best venues on the Gold Coast.
“Everyone’s here for the right reasons. We have a culture here that genuinely enjoys coming to the races and the sales.
“They also get a golden opportunity to get amongst the top industry people and to witness some of the highest quality product taking to the stage. And where better to do it than on the Gold Coast.
“The Coast is the perfect backdrop for this kind of event. The beaches are spectacular, the restaurants are unbelievable and most importantly, everyone’s in the right frame of mind.”