Demand spurs MM to historic Sale extension

4 min read
In response to market demand, Magic Millions will make company history next year when it sells yearlings for seven consecutive days from January 12-18 at the Gold Coast.

Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said the move had been prompted by both quality and quantity and confirmed the decision following discussions with all stakeholders.

“The demand and quality of yearlings entered has allowed us the opportunity to expand the catalogue. We have consulted vendors on this and we believe it is the right move for the coming year and a big step forward for the company.

“Obviously, we are starting a day earlier and extending Book 2 over a day and a-half and that should work really well for the Sale, which continues to thrive and has gone ahead in leaps and bounds in recent years.

“With that, vendors are seeing it as a very viable place to sell their best yearlings. We believe that given our clearance rates and averages that the time is right to make the step and expand it a bit. Book 1 is only extended by some 80 horses. "

“With that, vendors are seeing it as a very viable place to sell their best yearlings.” – Barry Bowditch

The healthy state of the Australian racing industry and its attractive prizemoney levels were major buying incentives.

“Come January, there will be a domestic demand given racing in Australia has been so great during a tough period driving a craving to get here to the Gold Coast and get some yearlings,” Bowditch said.

“From a domestic perspective, we’re getting great engagement from people but it’s not a Sale that will be driven only by domestic money. I think there will be a lot of international money so we’re hoping to give them that opportunity come January. "

Book 1 at the Gold Coast will begin at 12pm AEST on Tuesday, January 12 and will run through to Friday with selling to begin at 10am AEST and the final session will start at 6pm on Saturday.

Selling in Book 2 will begin from 2pm AEST on Sunday, January 17 and through Monday from 10am AEST with Book 3 to close the auction.

Barry Bowditch

"The Magic Millions Yearling Sale and the fulfilment of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Race Day will be our total focus in January 2021," Bowditch said.

"Our vendors and buyers can rely on us to deliver an outstanding yearling sale at the standard they have come to expect from Magic Millions.

"Our vendors and buyers can rely on us to deliver an outstanding yearling sale at the standard they have come to expect from Magic Millions.” – Barry Bowditch

"We have a proven track record of outperforming the market in a COVID-safe environment, as evidenced by our results at the recent Magic Millions National Sale.”

The Magic Millions barrier draw and beach run will be staged on January 12 ahead of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Race Day on January 16.

“The company will ensure the above events, inspections and auction-related activity adhere to all COVID-19 restrictions and operate in a COVID-safe environment,” Bowditch said.

”Magic Millions' priority is the health and safety of staff, clients and the broader, local community. As a result, the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo has been postponed until January 2022.

"The Magic Millions Yearling Sale and the fulfilment of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Race Day will be our total focus in January 2021.

"Whilst trackside at The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Race Day might be reduced in capacity, the line up on-course and $10.25 million prizemoney on offer will guarantee our owners a thrilling day of racing.

"The current risks and restrictions associated with COVID-19 have meant that it is the right decision to postpone the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo.”