A week of fast horses, profitable punting (probably) and heavy drinking. Some call it heaven, others know it as the Magic Millions. Next week, the eyes of the bloodstock and racing world will be on the Gold Coast for one of the great horse sales. But it’s become much more than just a yearling sale and is now a destination for racing lovers from across the country.
Betsy’s own Magic Millions groupie James Tzaferis will again be “working” on the Gold Coast and he’s compiled the mug’s guide to enjoying your week at and around the sale.
Saturday, 10th January
While it doesn’t quite rival the main raceday seven days later, the new twilight fixture is quickly building momentum and offers a final chance for aspirants to press their claims for one of the lucrative Magic Millions races the following week. It’s also home to the $3 million slot race, The Sunlight. If you’re on the GC early, there are plenty of reasons to get trackside. The crowd won’t be as hectic and the late afternoon time slot should help ensure you don’t sweat through your blazer.
Sunday, 11th January
The Magic Millions Show Jumping and Polo sets the tone for a week of glitz and glam. If you can snare a ticket to one of the marquees, it’s definitely a great event to attend, albeit anyone can buy a GA ticket at the gate and free range for the afternoon.
If, like many punters, sporting events that you can’t bet on aren’t your thing, a cruisy afternoon on the beers in Broadbeach might be more your go. The Broadbeach Tavern is hard to go past. Plenty of screens and solid pub fare are what you’ll find here. If you’re feeling a bit more bougee, a Sunday sesh at Rick Shores will give you plenty of content for the ‘Gram.
Monday, 12th January
It’s the final day of inspections at the sales complex. If you want to rub shoulders with the big names of racing before the pressure of sale day, this is your chance.
Grab a coffee, a catalogue and head along for a look. It’s free to attend the complex and all are welcome. Shadow the good judges to see what horses they look at or, if you’re confident enough, ask a vendor to parade a horse that has caught your eye in the catalogue. Fake it until you make it. You never know, you might learn something.
If you don’t score a free coffee and at least three stallion caps, you’re doing it wrong.
Tuesday, 13th January
Keen to watch the sunrise? You’ve got to be up early in Queensland, where the sun pokes over the horizon at about 5am. As soon as it does, the Gold Coast foreshore is a hive of activity.
That will well and truly be the case at Broadbeach where, for the first time in 2026, the barrier draw for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas will take place. Catch the iconic beach gallops at 6.30am, 7.15am and 8.15am, with some of the sport’s biggest names riding on the golden sands. Watch the barrier draws and hear from the leading contenders. If you’ve never been to one of these, it’s quite the spectacle.
Go-to coffee spots for the racing crowd in Broadbeach include Noname Lane, Sonder, Goya and Elk.
The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale begins at 11am just down the road at Bundall. Anyone can attend and the atmosphere is unreal, especially when the top lots walk through. Highlights through the ring on the opening day include the first yearlings by champion racehorse Anamoe, G1 winner Avantage’s filly by I Am Invincible and the only yearling by European champion Baaeed in the catalogue.
Again, any offers of hospitality on the catered tables should be gladly accepted but there are plenty of food and beverage options for the paying customer. The bar at the back of the sales ring is a great spot to park up, enjoy a beer and keep an eye on the day’s racing action.
Back at Broadbeach, things start to heat up in the early evening. It’s impossible to walk into a restaurant or bar without crossing paths with your racing brethren. Popular watering holes for trainers, bloodstock agents and hangers-on include Moo-Moos and The Loose Moose. Rule #1 is never try to go drink-for-drink with Ciaron Maher.
Wednesday, 14th January
A morning dip in the ocean can cure most things, including a headache induced by one too many Espresso Martinis at the Loose Moose.
Day two of the sale kicks off at 10am and highlights include In Secret’s full brother, the Pinatubo half-brother to Artorius and Joliestar’s half-sister by Anamoe.
It’s a little bit of rinse and repeat afterwards as most people head back to Broadbeach for dinner. It’s hard to go wrong with the dining options on offer but a couple of musts during the week include the banquet at Mamasan and a steak at George’s.
At some stage during the week, you’re going to end up at The Star, which is home to plenty of great restaurants and bars. Just make sure you’re not off the bit and chasing too early in the night.
Thursday, 15th January
There are two types of people on the Gold Coast. Those that sweat out their sins with a morning walk or jog along the foreshore. And those that hit the snooze button and roll over. Channel your inner Melbourne Cup winner and push on through.
Another day, another 200+ yearlings to go through the ring. Highlights on day three of the sale include half or full relations to G1 winners Stefi Magnetica, Devil Night and Stay Inside.
Attention begins to turn to the raceday on Thursday night with the annual Magic Millions Classic Calcutta. It’s usually a sell-out so if you’re keen to get along, jump online to secure a spot.
Friday, 16th January
I hope you’ve been saving something in the locker for Friday. Book 1 of the sale concludes with a super session. From 10am, almost 300 horses will go through the ring including the full brother to Super Seth, the Zoustar x Solar Charged colt and the first yearling out of multiple G1 winner Snapdancer.
Magic Millions ups the offering for the general public getting along to the complex with food trucks and pop-up bars. It’s a great carnival-type atmosphere and the perfect scene-setter for the raceday 24 hours later.
Saturday, 17th January
Provided the long-range forecast for 50mm of rain on Friday and Saturday doesn’t come to fruition, all eyes will be on the Gold Coast Turf Club for a huge day of racing, headlined by the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.
Once you’ve cleaned out the bookies, it’s back to The Star for the afterparty and the last hurrah.
