Billy Slater saddles up for annual Magic Millions Barrier Draw race
UPDATEÂ @ 1:30pm: Thousands of people hit Surfers Paradise Beach this morning to watch world class racehorses race along the sand at the 2021 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Barrier Draw.
NRL legend Billy Slater saddled up alongside a number of champion jockeys to race down the iconic Surfers Paradise beach just after 8:30am.
Thank you to our jockeys who made the Barrier Draw such a wonderful spectacle – oh and you too @billyslater!
We're in full swing now – selling at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale commences at 12pm (Qld time). pic.twitter.com/HjkCHqdtks— Magic Millions (@mmsnippets) January 12, 2021
See the horses race along the sand in the video below:
The racing action on the sand was part of the lead up to the all important barrier draw, which decided the line-up for the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions Guineas for Saturday’s raceday.
Here's the latest @tabcomaumedia market and movers following this morning's barrier draw at Surfers Paradise beach for the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic. pic.twitter.com/ykwsA5Jo11
— Magic Millions (@mmsnippets) January 12, 2021
The favourites drew well this morning for Saturday's $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas – here's the latest @tabcomaumedia market. pic.twitter.com/8EwAMa4FeG
— Magic Millions (@mmsnippets) January 12, 2021
EARLIER @ 6am: Surfers Paradise Beach has been transformed into a race track this morning for the annual Magic Millions Barrier Draw.
All the action kicks off at 6.20am with the first horse run, ahead of the main event which will see thoroughbreds with champion jockeys on board gallop down the sand around 8.00am.
NRL legend Billy Slater will be among the jockeys saddling up to race down the iconic Surfers Paradise beach, with the Queensland great also embracing his Magic Millions ambassador role for the third year in a row.
The 37-year-old flew into the Gold Coast over the weekend and quarantined as a precaution before taking a COVID-19 test, which has since come back negative.
From 9.00am this morning, the connections of every runner in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic field and Guineas will randomly select the barrier from which their horse will start on race day this Saturday.
Gold Coasters are being encouraged to head down to watch all the action unfold with lots of food and beverage options available to purchase.

PHOTO: myGC
Day Schedule:
6:20am – First Horse Run
7:20am – Second Horse Run
7:55am – Introduction of Leading Australian Jockeys
8:35am – Third Horse Run
9:00am – Barrier Draw for the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic
9:45am – Barrier Draw for the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas