Magic Millions’ inaugural $3 million Sunlight race meeting has been dramatically shifted to the Sunshine Coast late on race eve after a section of the new Gold Coast turf track was poisoned.
The huge setback, which was discovered less than 24 hours before the launch of a massive Magic Millions racing and sales carnival, is not likely to force next week’s $13.75 million summer season finale on the Gold Coast to also be transferred to another venue.
Racing Queensland and Gold Coast officials were hastily attempting to find a solution on Friday when the poisoned turf spanning about 25 metres by 10 metres was discovered around the 500m mark of the renovated racecourse.
A rapidly organised afternoon track gallop over the affected patch of turf was completed, with the jockeys raising concerns about the safety for riders, prompting high-level meetings and the eventual decision to transfer the meeting.
It is uncertain whether the issue was caused by sabotage or human error, but remedial work will be undertaken immediately to rectify the issue ahead of next week’s flagship Magic Millions meeting.
The relocation of the Sunlight Classic and Wave race meeting from the Bundall racetrack will pose a logistical challenge for trainers and broadcasters who will have to transport horses and equipment about 165km north to Corbould Park.
A phantom meeting at the Gold Coast, with its associated events and hospitality, will proceed as normal while the $6.05 million 10-race card is run at the Sunshine Coast.
Racing Queensland confirmed late on Friday that officials made the call to move the meeting away from the Gold Coast due to the track problem.
“As a result (of the issue), a series of course proper gallops involving senior jockeys was conducted at the Gold Coast this afternoon, with concerns raised that the meeting would be unable to proceed,” RQ said in a statement.
Bren O’Brien
“Instead, a Magic Millions live site including all activations, functions and hospitality will be conducted at the Gold Coast tomorrow, with the 10-race card to be run in its entirety at the Sunshine Coast.
“Samples have been collected for testing and an investigation has been launched to ascertain the root cause of the discolouration impacting the Gold Coast course proper.
“The affected grass is expected to be replaced ahead of next week’s The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday allowing the meeting to proceed as scheduled.”
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Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot was the $3.10 favourite for the first running of the Sunlight slot race while the Kris Lees-trained Loch Eagle was the $4.60 favourite for Saturday’s $500,000 The Wave before the unexpected turn of events.
The barrier draw for next week’s $3 million Magic Millions 2YO and $3 million 3YO Guineas will take place at Surfers Paradise on Tuesday morning ahead of the opening session of the Gold Coast Yearling Sale at the Bundall complex.
