Visitors saddle up for Magic Millions
Magic Millions, the annual two-week-long international horse racing festival, has kicked off on the Gold Coast.
The carnival, which is owned by billionaires Gerry Harvey and Katie Page, features a host of celebrities, including British royal Zara Tindall, her husband, rugby union royalty Mike Tindall, Billy and Nicole Slater, sports presenter Hamish McLachlan, international polo player Nacho Figueras and his photographer wife Delfina Blaquier.
Magic Millions officially started on Tuesday with the Barrier Draw, but the red carpet action kicks off on Friday night with the Magic Millions Racing Women Awards at HOTA.
This will be followed by a twilight race on Saturday at the Gold Coast Turf Club. The evening will feature $7.3 million in prizemoney over 10 races, including the $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight (3YO) slot race.
On Sunday, the well-to-do will head off to The Spit to watch the annual Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping.
Katie Page said she was thrilled to welcome guests back to Magic Millions.
“We simply cannot wait to welcome the world back to the Gold Coast this January to experience the magic that this team helps us create,’’ she said.
“There is an electric atmosphere here that you just don’t find anywhere else - a unique blend of elite sport, high-stakes sales, and family fun against the backdrop of our beautiful beaches.
“Whether you are an owner, a breeder, or a family seeing a horse up close for the first time, we are ready to host you for what promises to be our most spectacular celebration of the horse yet”.
The 2026 Carnival will culminate with the $13.25 million TAB Magic Millions Raceday on Saturday, 17 January, featuring ten races.
Queensland Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander, said the Magic Millions showcased the very best in Queensland racing.
“The Magic Millions is an iconic Queensland event, combining the glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast with world-class thoroughbred racing,” Minister Mander said.
“Off the back of a successful 2025 carnival which generated more than $55.3 million for the state, we’re excited to now look forward to the 2026 Magic Millions which has become a truly global spectacle, with greater scale, influence, and recognition for the Gold Coast and our state.”
“This unique program of events during the Magic Millions Carnival spans sport, entertainment and commerce, as well as demonstrating strong advocacy for the increasing profile and prominence of women in the industry. “
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