Increased chances for two-year-old thoroughbreds targeting Magic Millions

Two-year-old thoroughbreds will have extra opportunities to boost prizemoney and secure their spots in the 2027 Magic Millions during the upcoming Queensland Summer Racing Carnival. 

Prizemoney opportunities for juvenile sprinters targeting the Magic Millions during this year’s Summer Carnival will total $1.3 million, providing added chances to quality for January’s $3 million TAB Magic Millions 2YO Classic. 

Two enhanced opportunities will form part of this year’s 2026/27 Summer Carnival programme for juvenile sprinters across South-East Queensland, with seven races in total each carrying a minimum of $150,000 prizemoney. 

Starting at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club on Saturday, November 21, a new race will kick-off the two-year-old pathway to the Magic Millions with a set-weights sprint over 1000m.

The new addition to the programme will be the perfect lead up-to the $200,000 Phelan Ready Plate, held a fortnight later at Doomben. 

Following on from these two races, The Debut will again feature at Gold Coast Turf Club’s Silks Under the Stars meet on Friday, December 18, with Magic Millions-eligible horses running for $200,000 in prizemoney. 

The $300,000 Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes returns to Eagle Farm once again, this year falling on Boxing Day in a post-Christmas gift for racing fans. 

The following Saturday, aspiring two-year-olds and their connections can ring in the New Year with a revamped 1200m handicap at Eagle Farm, which will carry $150,000 in prizemoney - an increase of $45,000. 

Finally, the Gold Nugget and Gold Pearl, both run for $150,000 each, will retain their traditional slots on Magic Millions Gold Raceday in the twilight meeting on January 9 that kicks off the premier week in the Australasian horse racing industry. 

Racing Queensland Chair Matt McGrath said the opportunities for local and interstate trainers alike were an exciting addition for the 2026/27 Queensland Summer Racing Carnival. 

“The Queensland Summer Racing Carnival continues to go from strength to strength, and these enhanced two-year-old opportunities underline our commitment to building a clear, rewarding pathway to the TAB Magic Millions 2YO Classic,” Mr McGrath said. 

“With $1.3 million in prizemoney on offer across seven juvenile features, owners, trainers and breeders have every reason to set their sights on Queensland this summer. 

“These races provide genuine incentive for connections to campaign their emerging two-year-olds in Queensland, while giving racing fans more chances to see the next generation of stars on the road to the Magic Millions.” 

Brisbane Racing Club CEO Karl deKroo echoed Mr McGrath’s sentiment and welcomed the additional prizemoney offerings.

“Our Road to the Magic Millions summer carnival aspires to be the strongest and most desirable pathway to Magic Millions qualification,” Mr deKroo said.

“Storm Boy and Coolangatta are recent examples of interstate campaigners who have taken that path to Magic Millions glory. 

“The additional prizemoney announced here will help us attract quality two-year-olds to Brisbane throughout the summer giving owners and trainers a genuine incentive to target the BRC program on their way to the Gold Coast. 

“With the Phelan Ready at Doomben and the BJ McLachlan and other key lead-up races at Eagle Farm, we have a strong platform to build from, and we’re excited about continuing to strengthen the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival.” 

Sunshine Coast Turf Club CEO John Miller said he looked forward to the new two-year-old race adding to an important day on the annual calendar at Corbould Park.

"Forty-two per cent growth in attendance last year told us that Mooloolaba Cup Day had become something special, and one of our challenges now is ensuring we continue to improve the quality of the racing program," Mr Miller said.

"This new $150,000 two-year-old race provides local connections with a genuine pathway to Millions qualification.

"Combined with the Mooloolaba Cup and the Swiss Ace Plate's elevation to Listed status, we believe we are building a stronger program for participants and one that racing enthusiasts on the Sunshine Coast deserve."

The full Queensland Summer Racing Carnival calendar will be released in coming weeks.