Magic Millions and the Seven Network confirmed a commitment to broadcast the inaugural Magic Millions Gold twilight racemeeting live from the Gold Coast Turf Club in Queensland on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
It will be the first time the network has broadcast thoroughbred racing on Channel 7 in prime time.
“Wrapped around the world-famous yearling sale, Magic Millions is the social and sporting destination of the summer and the excitement builds with two race meetings worth more than $20 million," Australia’s pre-eminent sports broadcaster Bruce McAvaney, who leads the 7Racing team said.
“The twilight running of the Magic Millions Gold meeting will be a brilliant addition to an already spectacular program on and off the track – and a great showcase for Queensland and Australian racing.”
Seven is projecting strong audience growth by going from day-time to prime time viewing. The introduction of the Magic Millions Gold live broadcast will combine with The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday.
“It is hard to imagine what this could mean for the sport of horse racing. Magic Millions Gold racing for the first time under lights, broadcast live, in part in prime time, on Channel 7 and 7plus Sport," Magic Millions Co-owner Katie Page Harvey said.
"The trainers, the jockeys, the owners have been training and working in the lead up to January 4 to ensure their beloved thoroughbreds are ready to race. The crowd trackside and now the audience nationally can all hold our breath together.
“It is hard to describe the exhilaration of watching your horse win, but this race meeting will have an extra entertainment x-factor never seen before in Australian free-to-air racing. If you aren’t on the Gold Coast you will still know what it feels like to watch the horses chase the track as the sun sets – wherever you are in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne."
Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott said the Magic Millions is the crowning jewel in the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival and remains a bucket list item for racing fans here and abroad.
“The reimagined Gold meeting has established itself as the perfect lead into the famous raceday a week later, headlined this year by the inaugural $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight slot race for three-year-olds," he said.
“The glitz and the glamour of Magic Millions under lights being broadcast into free-to-air prime time is a significant boost for the sport, showcasing one of the state’s richest racemeetings to millions across the nation.”
The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival is asking the Gold Coast to get involved in the entertainment line-up for Magic Millions Gold. Adding to the introduction of new events – Magic Millions is bringing Karaoke track-side for the first time on Saturday January 4.
Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch welcomed the new Magic Millions Gold racemeeting and Magic Millions Karaoke to the 2025 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions calendar of sales, racing and equine events.
“Every year The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival gives you another reason to visit the Gold Coast and Queensland in January," he said.
“Like everyone at Magic Millions, my passion is with the horses and the first sign of the excitement that is to come is the arrival of the yearlings to the Magic Millions Sales complex in Bundall.
"Over the last days of 2024 and the first days of 2025, the sales complex will be alive 24/7 with the care and attention of over 1400 yearlings in anticipation of the Magic Millions Gold Coast January Yearling Sale for 2025 starting immediately after The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions beach gallop and Barrier Draw on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
“Everyone is welcome to come and witness the excitement of the Magic Millions auctions that will run across the four days through until late on Friday, January 10, 2025 for the Super Session."