Surfers Paradise Beach has been transformed into a race track this morning for the traditional Magic Millions beach race.
All the action kicked off at 6.30am, with champion jockeys sprinting down the beach onboard their thoroughbreds, with another two gallops set to take place at 7.15am and 8.15am.
The racing spectacle on the iconic Surfers Paradise sand is part of the lead-up to the all-important barrier draw later this morning.
The draw will decide the line-up for the $3 million 2YO Classic and the $3 million Guineas for Saturday’s big raceday at the Gold Coast Turf Club.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful morning for the Magic Millions Barrier Draw,” Magic Millions CEO Barry Bowditch told Hot Tomato.
“Everyone’s starting to arrive, it’s got a great vibe down here, the horses are turning up and the jockeys are here.
“We’re looking forward to running these horses down the beach before the big barrier draw”.
It also comes ahead of the Magic Millions Yearling Sales, which kick off in Bundall today with millions of dollars’ worth of Yearlings set to go under the hammer.
“We’re so excited to have all of these Yearlings here on the Gold Coast, some of the most beautiful young horses you will see,” Mr Bowditch said.
“The auction begins at 10am and it will go through until about 5.30pm today, and there’s a few big lots between 3pm and 4pm that should be worth keeping an eye on!”
Gold Coasters are being encouraged to head down to Surfers Paradise beach this morning to watch all the action unfold.
“It’s free to enter, it’s free to come and watch, and there should be a big crowd down there as it’s a beautiful spectacle!”
