3 minute read

Rich Magic Millions races moved from Gold Coast due to track damage.

Saturday's significant lead-up meeting to the feature Magic Millions race day on January 11 has been moved from Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast.

The twilight card which includes the first running of Queensland's new slot race, the $3 million The Sunlight, was to occur as a prelude to the rich traditional Magic Millions card next Saturday but has been thwarted by track damage at the 500-metre mark of the recently laid new course proper grass at Gold Coast.

Though confirmation is yet to occur, initial thoughts surrounded vandalism to that part of the surface.

With The Sunlight – highlighted by race favourite Lady Of Camelot – and the $1 million The Wave on the programme, delaying the meeting further was problematic given the first two races – the Gold Nugget for two-year-old colts and geldings and the Gold Pearl for fillies – both allowed for final qualification for the $3 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) next Saturday.

The dramatic twist to an otherwise smooth lead-up to the twilight Gold Coast programme follows track issues which saw the 2023 Magic Millions Day split between two days because of track issues and the poor optics of surface sand being kicked up by runners on QTIS Jewel Day last March.

Racing Queensland has confirmed that all race times will remain intact for the now Sunshine Coast meeting with the card to get underway at 3:05pm AEDT.