THE GOLD COAST
where everyone can play BY JO MCKINNON
Prime Thoroughbreds’ Joe O’Neill vividly remembers the first horse he bought at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale back in 1998. He paid just $20,000 for a colt by Snaadee which went on to race by the quirky name of Doodle Dandy and win seven races for his syndicate of owners. The success of that horse heralded the beginning of a long and extraordinary run of luck for Prime Thoroughbreds at Magic Millions auctions and feature race meetings around Australia. “We have had eight Magic Millions winners that collectively cost $424,500. “They have won 35 races and $3,881,891 stakes money to date,” said Joe. 2017 Magic Millions Guineas winner Flying Jess, Adelaide Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Zizzis and 2010 Magic Millions Stayers Cup winner Hidden Wonder were all purchased from the Gold Coast sale in January. Flying Jess cost just $65,000, Hidden Wonder $55,000 and Zizzis was the most expensive of them at $120,000. With results like this to back him up, it’s no surprise that Joe is a genuine advocate of buying at the Gold Coast sale. “Precocious type horses are sold through that sale and the Magic Millions bloodstock team are at farms looking at them four times through the year. “So, 3-4,000 horses are nominated for that sale and come down to a final 1065. They cut a lot out and that gives buyers confidence knowing that Magic Millions has done its homework.” He also enjoys the unique vibe of the Gold Coast sale. “They create a great environment for the buyers and vendors. They make people welcome. “It’s an exciting sale and a lot of improvements have been made to the complex. People feel like they are dealing with a very professional company.
They create a great environment for the buyers and vendors. They make people welcome
Joe O’Neill & John Moloney
FLYING JESS Cost: $65,000 Earnings: $1,421,680
38 / THE GOLD COAST - WHERE EVERYONE CAN PLAY 2020 - The Gold Coast - DR.indd 38
2/12/19 10:06 am
