Racing SA has amended the conditions of next year’s Magic Millions SA 3 & 4YO Classic at Murray Bridge.
In consultation with Magic Millions and industry stakeholders, the 2023 feature which offers $122,250 in prizemoney will change from a set weights race and be run under weight-for-age conditions.
The inaugural Magic Millions feature held in 2022 saw a small number of three-year-old entries with the intention of the changes being introduced in 2023, including the reduction in distance from 1400m to 1200m – to encourage more horses to compete in the March time slot.
"The Murray Bridge Magic Millions SA Raceday is becoming a real feature on the South Australian Racing Calendar and we feel that these changes will see more horses, trainers and owners get an opportunity to compete for this lucrative race" Racing SA chief operating officer, Vaughn Lynch said.
Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch confirmed the endorsement of race condition changes.
“We are delighted to work alongside Racing SA to support the development of this stand-alone Saturday for the benefit of the breeding and racing industry in South Australia," Bowditch said.
"The changes to our now second feature race on the program enable the potential for greater participation and returns that reach more owners and trainers.”
The changes are:
- The race distance reduced from 1400 metres to 1200 metres and run under WFA conditions.
Weights:
- 4YO Horses/Geldings now carry 58.5 kgs (was 58.0)
- 4YO Mares now carry 56.5 kgs (was 56.0)
- 3YO Colts/Geldings now carry 56.0 kgs (was 56.5)
- 3YO Fillies now carry 54.0 Kgs (was 54.5)
The Murray Bridge Magic Millions SA Raceday will take place on Saturday 4 March 2023, ahead of the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale on 14-15 March 2023. The Magic Millions SA 3 & 4YO Classic complements the $202,250 Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic.