The TAB Queensland Summer Racing Carnival has set a new benchmark in the Sunshine State with record-breaking turnover throughout the nine-week campaign.
Staged from Coast to Coast, turnover on the 2020/21 Summer Carnival grew by $77.0 million to $325.9 million (+31%), eclipsing its Winter counterpart for the first time.
Wagering highlights included the Grand Prix (+43%), Mooloolaba Cup (+47%) and TAB Wave (+37%) meetings enjoying strong growth.
The jewel in the Summer Carnival crown, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions, maintained its standing as Queensland’s largest wagering day with turnover growing to $68.4 million (+17%).
“The TAB Queensland Summer Racing Carnival continues to come along in leaps and bounds,” Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said.
“We enjoyed strong turnover growth across all nine meetings, and for the first time, the uplift in wagering on The Wave and Magic Millions set a new Queensland turnover record of $104 million across two meetings.
“We’re mindful, however, that it remains an abnormal wagering market, and we do expect the market will soften as the year goes on.”
On the track, more than 40 trainers or training partnerships enjoyed Summer Carnival success, with Tony Gollan leading the way with 13 winners.
More than 30 jockeys also tasted success headlined by Robbie Fradd, who piloted seven winners.
Following on from a strong Winter Carnival, Queenslanders were regularly seen in the winners’ circle with Krone, Jonker, The Odyssey, Alpine Edge and The Harrovian among those who saluted.
While COVID-19 meant traditional crowds were impacted, attendances throughout the Summer Carnival remained vibrant, highlighted by the 13,500 who were on track for The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday.
Once again, TV ratings for the Magic Millions were pleasing, with the Seven Network reaching more than 1.1 million viewers on the final day of the Carnival.
“We are delighted with the overall outcome of the Carnival,” Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said.
“The Wave Raceday continues to grow in status and is fast becoming one of the major racedays on the Queensland racing calendar.
“The demand for (Magic Millions) ticketing far outweighed our capacity due to COVID, and in 2022, we look forward to opening the doors for those who were unable to attend.
“It’s purely a ‘must do’ on every racegoers calendar.”