|
61.
Premier
Announces Record Boost For Qld Racing |
22/01/2003 |
|
Record
sales at the 2003 Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions thoroughbred sales on the Gold
Coast are a major boost for the Queensland racing industry, says Premier Peter
Beattie.
"The sales over four days reached an all time record of $53 million in the
sales of yearlings to local, national and international buyers - an increase of
13 per cent," he said.
"But the real barometer of the strength of the industry was the average
price achieved - up 8% to $92,000, which is also a record."
Mr Beattie said the investment by the Queensland Government through Queensland
Events Corporation was reaping significant rewards for the thoroughbred and
tourism industries.
"The immediate benefit to the Gold Coast is estimated at $20 million, a
very satisfying return on the state's investment which means more jobs for
people on the Coast," said Mr Beattie.
"This is a flagship event not just for Queensland, but for the
Australian racing industry.
"Magic Millions enjoys a strong international profile with buyers coming
from Japan, Hong Kong, Dubai, New Zealand, Britain, Malaysia, Singapore and the
United States.
"International visitors purchased yearlings worth $18.6 million - nearly $7
million more than last year.
"I was also delighted that a delegation of officials from South Korea,
which is rapidly building its thoroughbred industry, also attended the race
meeting and sales."
The race-day also set record and near-record crowds and betting turnover. On
course betting was an all-time record. Off-course turnover was the second
highest ever recorded by the TAB in Queensland.
The crowd of over 14,000 was the second biggest on record at the Gold Coast.
"This is important to the local industry as it generates higher
revenue for the Gold Coast Turf Club and flows through to owners and
trainers," said Mr Beattie.
"Significantly, a Queensland bred and owned horse won the
million-dollar Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions 2-year-old race," said Mr
Beattie.
"And this is likely to happen again as Queenslanders bought a record $10.5
million of yearlings, $3 million more than last year.
"This is a sign of a confident industry," he said.
Racing Minister Merri Rose said it was pleasing to note the fantastic results
achieved by Queensland studs and the impressive number of horses
bought by Queenslanders.
"The changes to the Queensland Thoroughbred Investment Scheme (QTIS), by
the Board of Queensland Racing, have helped bring about fantastic results for
Queensland breeders and buyers," Ms Rose said.
"Over $10 million worth of yearlings have been sold to Queenslanders, which
is a great vote of confidence in our local industry.
"The great results on the race-track, including the victory by
Regimental Gal in the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Classic, has further
confirmed the strength of the Queensland industry."
Mr Beattie said the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions race-day and yearling sales
were firmly established as an event of international significance and importance
to the thoroughbred industry.
"The event has come of age thanks to the support and investment of the
Queensland Government via Queensland Events," said David Chester, managing
director of Magic Millions Sales Pty Limited.
"We are particularly pleased with the level of international interest which
translates into millions of dollars of sales," said Mr Beattie.
"I have asked Queensland Events to continue to work closely with Magic
Millions to explore ways by which this event can be further strengthened and
taken to new heights.
"The racing industry is our fourth largest industry, a major employer, and
a vital contributor to our tourism industry."
|
