tourists embrace
the Magic Millions Karen Andrews
T
he Racing Industry makes an enormous contribution to the Australian economy. On the Gold Coast, the most significant contribution from racing to our economy is through hosting the Magic Millions Carnival each January.
By Karen Andrews
The Magic Millions is the biggest race day on the Queensland thoroughbred racing calendar with more than 15,000 attending the event in 2011.
Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Sunday Breakfast Sunday $40 LUNCH SPECIAL Entrée & main or main & dessert Monday to Sunday except public holidays
Best new restaurant award 2010 Gold Coast Restaurant and Catering
Chef Hat for 2011 Australian Good Food & Travel Guide
Phone 07 5527 1009 Bookings recommended
Glass Dining and Lounge Bar On the water Marina Mirage Seaworld Drive Main Beach QLD 4217
www.glassrestaurant.com.au
16 | www.womeninracingmagazine.com.au
This year the Carnival took place between the 7th and the 19th of January - 12 days of glamour, fashion and racing. Once again, it brought together racing royalty, celebrities, punters, fashion enthusiasts and people from all walks of life. Attendees included locals, visitors from intrastate, interstate and many overseas locations throughout Asia, New Zealand, Europe and the United Arab Emirates. Most importantly for our tourism industry, visitors attracted by the carnival often stay for an extended period and visit the many attractions the Gold Coast has to offer as well as experiencing our shopping and Restaurants. Our tourism industry is dependant on longerstay visitors and the Magic Millions is an event that delivers precisely that result. An economic impact study into the 2008 Magic Millions event demonstrated a direct contribution of $24.6 million to the Gold Coast economy and an additional $27.3 million of value in publicity to give a total economic benefit of $52 million. Direct economic contribution is through tourism, accommodation, hospitality and transport. Further, the fabulous shoes, hats, fascinators, dresses and suits found track-side demonstrates the significant
contribution racing makes to the fashion industry. ‘Fashions on the Field’ is hotly contested both at the Gold Coast Turf Club and at the many off-track events organised as part of the Carnival, such as the Women in Racing Luncheon, which is an event that you ‘must’ be seen at. This January, the world renowned Magic Millions Auctions generated more than $70 million in yearling sales. Whilst the $2 million 2YO classic is the highlight of race day, only horses purchased from Magic Millions are able to compete meaning owners and trainers are almost guaranteed to return to the city. While it was predicted that wet weather on the Gold Coast and more broadly the flooding in south-east Queensland could result in lower attendances this year, this turned out not to be the case. An additional 1,000 people were attracted to the event in comparison to the 2010 figures. Given the Magic Millions is such a significant contributor to the Gold Coast economy it is important to ensure that necessary structures are in place. In January 2010, the Bligh Labor Government announced an $80 million package for the three racing codes: Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhound Racing. To date that money has not materialised. For a world class event such as the Magic Millions the facilities at the Gold Coast Turf Club require an upgrade and this should be delivered immediately. The racing industry is a vital part of Queensland’s economic sustainability and should be recognised as such. ■