Magic Millions have launched a world first with a women’s only incentive scheme to coincide with the running of the 2013 Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
The race will carry a $500,000 bonus to be shared by the first four horses past the post that are wholly owned or leased by women.
Those horses don’t have to win or even place but one of the first four to past the post.
The 2013 Classic will be named the Magic Millions Racing Women (MMRW) 2YO Classic.
The incentive is the brain child of Katie Page-Harvey and husband Gerry.
They believe that while women are well represented in thoroughbred racing in general, they lack behind in horse ownership.
The prizemoney for the first four 100% female owned horses over the line will receive: 1st – $325,000, 2nd – $100,000, 3rd – $50,000, 4th – $25,000.
This prizemoney will be added to any earned as per the usual for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January, 2013.
The incentive will initially be regarded as a race within a race.
“We are excited about its launch and how it will grow in the coming years,” MM proprietor Gerry Harvey said.
“Racehorse ownership over the years has been dominated by men – but we know the sport is loved by women and this $500,000 bonus is a great incentive.”
The first lady of racing Gai Waterhouse is excited by the news.
“The team from Magic Millions has always been a leader in innovation with its wonderful carnival and this new incentive is terrific,” Waterhouse said.
“The race series was a world first when it was introduced and now this women’s bonus is another world first for Magic Millions.
“The $500,000 bonus is a great incentive for women to become further involved through ownership of a horse in our wonderful industry.
“Can you imagine a horse winning the MM 2YO Classic and winning $1.14 million for first prize money and also scooping a $325,000 bonus for being the first female owned horse over the line?”
The 2013 Classic is leading to something more substantial for future years.
Once there are enough horses owned by women – Magic Millions will create a women’s only race.
The 2012 yearling sale for horses that race in 2013 start in January at the MM main sale.
An information day about the new idea will be held at Magic Millions on the Gold Coast on January 8.
