Magic Millions’ ongoing commitment to recognising female participants

Written by Trent Masenhelder

Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions

With entries for the 2024 $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic and $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas set to close on Friday, December 1, Magic Millions will again highlight and celebrate the contribution of women in the racing industry.

Now in its 12th year, the highly successful program has introduced the Magic Millions Racing Women (MMRW) supported by TAB Achievement Awards, which have been designed to recognise female participants in racing, be it owners, jockeys, trainers, strappers or other stable staff, or administrators.

There are two awards - the Magic Millions Racing Women Hall of Fame Award and the 2024 Magic Millions Racing Women National Racing Woman of the Year Award. Entries for these awards close on Friday December 8, with the announcement of winners to be made at the MMRW supported by TAB Achievement Awards dinner on Saturday, January 6 on the Gold Coast.

Magic Millions’ Cassandra Simmonds is heavily involved with the Magic Millions Racing Women project, and she told The Thoroughbred Report there has been a huge increase in participation by females since its inception.

“More than 1800 thoroughbreds have an all-female ownership, which is an amazing statistic,” Simmonds said.

There has been no shortage of beneficiaries of the Magic Millions Racing Women’s Bonus, in fact, since the program was introduced, seven all-female-owned 2-year-olds have finished either first or second. Some of the winners include Sunlight (Zoustar), Away Game (Snitzel) and Skirt The Law (Better Than Ready).

Gallery: Some of the all-female-owned 2-year-olds who have won the Magic Millions Racing Women’s Bonus via a win in the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic, images courtesy of Magic Millions

“It has built a real community of women invested in racing. The Magic Millions Racing Women supported by TAB Achievement Awards is an extension of that. It’s not just about owners, it’s about participants at all levels,” Simmonds added.

The winner of the foundation Hall of Fame Award will be recognised for outstanding, long-term (20 years plus) contribution to the Australian thoroughbred industry. The recipient will be invited to be a permanent member of the judging panel for the MMRW supported by TAB Achievement Awards, alongside Magic Millions and TAB representatives.

The winner of the 2024 National Racing Woman of the Year Award, recognising exceptional industry contribution at a national level over the last twelve months, will receive a $50,000 Magic Millions Racing Women Scholarship from TAB.

Then, from 2025, the MMRW supported by TAB Achievement Awards will recognise female participants in five national categories (Racing Woman of the Year: Queensland; Racing Woman of the Year: NSW & ACT; Racing Woman of the Year: Victoria; Racing Woman of the Year: Tasmania & South Australia; Racing Woman of the Year: WA & NT), with each winner receiving a $10,000 Magic Millions Racing Women Scholarship from TAB.

Magic Millions co-owner and MMRW founder, Katie Page-Harvey, stressed the importance of female participation within the industry.

“We now have a national platform to formally acknowledge the contribution of women who are responsible for the ongoing success and innovation of our vital industry. From the heroes who are household names to the heroes at the grassroots, these women share a universal quality – the love of the horse. The stories that come from this shared passion for the thoroughbred is what inspires us and is the bedrock of the industry,” she said.

“To put the contribution of these women in context, it is important we highlight the fundamental role the Australian thoroughbred industry plays in the Australian economy. The industry is substantial in terms of financial contribution, delivering over $9 billion annually in direct and indirect economic benefit and with over 160,000 Australians employed nationally in roles that rely on a robust thoroughbred industry.”