Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Did you miss your activation email?
2012-Feb-12, 04:51 PM

Login with username, password and session length

Racehorse TALK
Racehorse TALK » Racing Talk Australia » Qld Gallops » Topic: Magic Millions at Gold Coast


Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 9   Go Down
« previous next »
 
Author Topic: Magic Millions at Gold Coast  (Read 6944 times)
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Falcon
Group3
user 454
Offline Offline
Posts: 593
Original Post 2009-Dec-19, 07:10 PM

magic for CoastDaniel Meers   |  December 19th, 2009

THE future of the Magic Millions raceday has all but been assured after the Brisbane Racing Club last night formally told the Gold Coast Turf Club they do not want to steal the meeting.

In a stunning revelation, The Gold Coast Bulletin can reveal the board of the BRC, who govern John Singleton's preferred alternate venue Eagle Farm, said the club would not enter negotiations with the Magic Millions company if approached to host the event.

The BRC sent a letter to GCTC chief executive Grant Sheather yesterday after their board this week passed a motion not to make any attempts to poach the $4.6 million raceday.

"BRC has absolutely no intention of attempting to lure feature race dates away from other clubs, specifically the BRC believes the Magic Millions should be held at the Gold Coast racecourse and conducted by the GCTC," read the letter.

"If moves were made by Magic Millions to move the Magic Millions races to Eagle Farm, the BRC would not hold any discussions or negotiations with Magic Millions."

The BRC board voted on the resolution after speculation arose about the future of the event at the Gold Coast and Eagle Farm was again raised as an alternate venue.

Magic Millions would now have to move the event away from Queensland if they wanted to strip it from the Gold Coast.

The BRC said they would only negotiate with the GCTC over the future of a Gold Coast-based Magic Millions raceday and that would only be in the unlikely event the Bundall club decided they wanted to host the meeting but rent Eagle Farm's larger facilities.

Gold Coast Turf Club chairman Andrew Eggleston last night heaped praise on the BRC for their stance.

"This shows that clubs can work together and that's what racing should be about," he said.

"We've got plans to improve and better cater for crowds with the facilities we have at the Gold Coast and this gives us further substance to press ahead with those plans."

Sheather said he was hopeful the formal statement would switch attention back on to the meeting.

"It puts the focus back on the raceday and back on our long-term plans to expand the event for the future and how we can promote it further both internationally and more nationally," he said.

"We want it to stay here, it's a great concept John (Singleton) and Gerry (Harvey) have created.

"They've done a great job and we want to work hand in hand with them."

Sheather confirmed the club had already begun preparations to look at expanding raceday facilities to include the infield for 2011.
« Last Edit: 2010-Sep-23, 10:31 AM by dubbledee » Logged
 
OldLarsy
Group 1
user 177
Offline Offline
Posts: 18695
2009-Dec-19, 07:15 PM

Magic Millions would now have to move the event away from Queensland if they wanted to strip it from the Gold Coast.


Just because the BRC have said they won't touch it, doesn't mean if would have to moved from Qld if it was stripped from the Gold Coast.

It'd be perfect on a Saturday evening on the Toowoomba sand   biggrin
Logged
Falcon
Group3
user 454
Offline Offline
Posts: 593
2009-Dec-19, 07:21 PM

What's the Caloundra track like?

Go from the Gold to the Sunshine  lol
Logged
dubbledee
Editor
Group 1
user 285
Offline Offline
Posts: 22574
2010-Feb-23, 03:10 PM

MP Ray Stevens believes a long-term deal should be struck between MM and GCTC:

THE Magic Millions Racing Company need to come to the party and sign a much longer term contract to ensure the State Government funded redevelopment deal for the Gold Coast Turf Club is secured.

Liberal National Party (LNP) spokesman for Racing, Mr Ray Stevens, said today that the Magic Millions’ owners need to commit to a longer term contract, which will see the redevelopment deal go ahead with no impediments.

“Signing for twelve months at a time is ridiculous. They need to sign a contract for a longer period to enable the State Government to be able to fund appropriate infrastructure.

“The State Government need to look at what the Gold Coast Turf Club and the Magic Millions Carnival needs, or negotiations with the State Government will continue to be stalled.

“The Magic Millions’ owners have been racing at the Gold Coast Turf Club track since 1987 and they need to negotiate a contract that commits to it for another 10 to 20 years.

“This is the best way for all the parties to get what they want, with much needed improvement to the facilities at the Bundall track being in dire need of State Government funding.

“Negotiations between the Gold Coast Turf Club, the State Government’s racing authority, Queensland Racing, and the Magic Millions’ owners need to address all relative issues without the impediments of threats, coercion or takeovers being mentioned.

“Surely a mutual interest position can be reached with positive negotiation.

“I call on the Minister for Racing and the Treasurer to sort out this mess and to negotiate a long term commitment from Magic Millions to ensure appropriate funding is given to the much needed upgrade of the Gold Coast Turf Club”, Mr Stevens concluded.
Logged
Falcon
Group3
user 454
Offline Offline
Posts: 593
2010-Feb-23, 07:22 PM

Magic Millions want the track to be of international standard - fair enough. You can't afford to have horses racing on a track that is not up to scratch, not with the cost nowadays

The GCTC is going to need more carnivals than the MM January one (some of which are restricted to MM sales graduates) and Melbourne Cup day, to make it viable and pay its way, with such an injection of money

Queensland only has one metro track, if Queensland can get behind the GCTC, can make it the second metro track, but racing probably more like Moonee Valley twilight on Friday - would need lights, which is a a huge expense, but would draw people - a lot of people like going to the races in the evening - I go to the trots occassionally for the twilight meets

Current stakes races at GCTC are
Group 2
AD Hollindale S.

Group 3
Gold Coast Guineas

Listed
Goldmark H. (january)
Ken Russell Memorial Classic
Prime Minister's Cup
Silk Stocking
GC Bracelet

Most of which are in May

More black-type races, heading to Group 1 level, to make a International track viable - can be done - how I'm not exactly sure - leave that one to the experts  sweat

A couple of open graded races in Jaunary would be a definite bonus for the MM carnival

Have a second major carnival in May as a lead up to the Brisbane carnival

Just a thought........ chin
Logged
ted e turner
Group 2
user 311
Offline Offline
Posts: 3961
2010-Feb-23, 07:46 PM

send queenslands racing's king and resident labor party fool a e-mail.......im sure he has a plan ...dont tell him ted e sent ya
Logged
dubbledee
Editor
Group 1
user 285
Offline Offline
Posts: 22574
2010-Mar-05, 09:51 AM

Some interesting reading on letsgohorseracing.com.au

http://www.letsgohorseracing.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=577:qr-doesnt-get-its-way-so-another-round-of-millions-bashing-for-gctc&catid=42:qld-a-rest&Itemid=69
Logged
Arsenal
VIP Club
Group 1
user 194
Offline Offline
Posts: 5442
2010-Mar-15, 07:32 PM

  QRL threatens to by-pass GCTC Board in redevelopment plans   from www.letsgohorseracing.com.au       
HAS Queensland Racing chairman Bob Bentley put the gun at the head of the Board of the Gold Coast Turf Club or do they deserve to have more information on the plans for the redevelopment of their complex before being forced to meet with QRL?

From the latest letter sent by Bentley to GCTC chairman, Andrew Eggleston, it appears that QRL is planning to side-step the Board and work up a proposal in consultation with other stakeholders.

This web-site has been inundated with e-mails claiming that these are ‘bully boy tactics’ by Bentley whilst others insist that there is a growing need for the GCTC to meet with QRL amid concerning rumors circulating about club finances.

Here is the letter sent by QRL chairman Bentley to GCTC chairman Eggleston on March 11:

Dear Andrew

I am in receipt of your letter dated March 9, 2010, advising of your Board’s unanimous decision to meet with Queensland Racing Limited (QRL), but only on your self-imposed conditions. Firstly, in respect of the decision being unanimous, it is understood that this was not the case and it is improper for you to claim otherwise.

This decision of the GCTC Board is irrational and is completely void of any commercial foresight. QRL has, on numerous occasions, sought a meeting with your Board to discuss the matter in an open and transparent manner. You have consistently refused to facilitate a meeting on the basis that you want questions answered before you received a presentation. As a result of your lack of preparedness to meet with QRL, unless we meet your pre-meeting conditions, you are advised that QRL will not continue to pursue a meeting with you and will work up a proposal in consultation with other stakeholders, who have an interest in being informed so that they can form a view as to QRL’s proposal. The future of racing on the Gold Coast should not be risked or delayed by the unrealistic demands of your Board. You are fully aware of our commitment to improve facilities at Bundall for those who hold a stake and we will work towards achieving this outcome with those who truly have industry interests top of mind.

It is indeed disappointing that the board of the GCTC continue to display intransient behavior in refusing to consider a meeting with QRL without pre-determined conditions. These actions by the board of the GCTC are both foolhardy and put at risk the Queensland industry’s most successful race meeting and also the Gold Coast’s premier tourist event, namely the Magic Millions.

I note that you continue to claim the GCTC is close to sealing a five year deal. This in fact is both false and misleading. There is no deal being agreed by Magic Millions for the 2012 year and certainly there is no possibility at this stage of the GCTC being capable of signing a five year deal. I quote Lucy Ardern of the Gold Coast Bulletin on March 4 2010, “Mr Eggleston said he was not worried about the Magic Millions leaving the Gold Coast with the Turf Club close to sealing a five-year deal on the event.”

QRL has continuously, since January 2010, been in contact with Queensland Events and the Magic Millions Company on the future of the Gold Coat Magic Millions Carnival. All parties are frustrated with the lack of commerciality being displayed by your board and the longer the impasse continues the less likely the Magic Millions carnival with be a fixture on the Gold Coast. Whilst this does not appear to be a concern of yours it certainly is to the Queensland industry.

I do not back away from the statement in my letter to Mr Brian Fletcher dated January 27, 2010, as quoted and reprinted in your letter.

that there is an initial principle that needs to be agreed from the outset in terms of an investment by QRL in the Bundall facility…….

…….QRL’s position is that the equity held in either a Trust or company be based around the value of the Bundall complex as a racing facility and the dollar equivalent of the investment made by QRL in the Bundall facility. This is a foundation principle that needs to be resolved.

The situation cannot be resolved unless your board is prepared to discuss all proposals with an open mind. You have clearly set out that you are not prepared to meet unless QRL meets your pre-meeting conditions. The time for rejection of a proposal is following discussion, not before. The proposal for the upgrade of Bundall may well be to your members’ advantage, both in a practical and financial sense, yet you give the impression in your correspondence that your board has a fear of the future and progress.

The upgrade is not solely for the members of the GCTC although they will be the major beneficiaries; this is an industry project that will benefit all stakeholders. The fact that you are asking for ‘finance arrangements’ is evidence that your board does not understand the basis of the proposal for discussion, yet are imposing conditions. The financial management of the industry and the GCTC, under your board’s stewardship, will come under scrutiny at year’s end, and from a preliminary appraisal of the club’s finances, it would seem that any proposal to help the GCTC’s future should be at least investigated.

The questions you seek to have answered prior to a meeting may not be relevant as we seek to resolve the issues to arrive at a quality outcome for the Bundall facility, and the club members. This upgrade can take many forms and QRL does not have a fixation on any one particular model.

At an appropriate time in the future, we will update you in respect of our progress.

Yours sincerely

R G BENTLEY, Chairman QRL.
 
Would the other stakeholders be Gerry and Singo? shy
Logged
Proud Knight
Listed
user 233
Offline Offline
Posts: 290
2010-Mar-15, 07:50 PM

Would the other stakeholders be Gerry and Singo?


Arsenal, there are a fair few other stakeholders in the area other than Gerry and Singo. This issue just isnt about Magic Millions. What about the trainers and the owners of the 700 horses in work?

Logged
Falcon
Group3
user 454
Offline Offline
Posts: 593
2010-Mar-15, 07:56 PM

Wish they would all get there a's into g and make a decision......dragging it out a bit aren't they

Can't the whole lot just sit down to a meeting somehow, both boards and the owners, trainers & MM, mind you could end up getting a bit noisy
Logged
Proud Knight
Listed
user 233
Offline Offline
Posts: 290
2010-Mar-15, 08:32 PM

Wish they would all get there a's into g and make a decision......dragging it out a bit aren't they

Can't the whole lot just sit down to a meeting somehow, both boards and the owners, trainers & MM, mind you could end up getting a bit noisy


Spot on Falcon. But it must be done.
Logged
goodwoman
Group3
user 712
Offline Offline
Alias: goodwoman
Posts: 800
2010-Mar-15, 08:33 PM



Mexican stand-off all about future equity of GCTC.................simple as that.   Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig prize for guessing who wants to own whom.     what
Logged
Proud Knight
Listed
user 233
Offline Offline
Posts: 290
2010-Mar-16, 06:19 AM

Mexican stand-off all about future equity of GCTC.................simple as that.   Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig prize for guessing who wants to own whom.


Goodwoman, do you think that a Broncos member/supporter/sponsor cares who owns/controls Suncorp Stadium when the team runs out to play ? Of course they dont ! They just want to turn up and watch their team play in comfort, get a cold beer and a hot pie.

The issue of asset equity should not be such a major hurdle in racing. As long as the industry continues to own/control assets.
Logged
goodwoman
Group3
user 712
Offline Offline
Alias: goodwoman
Posts: 800
2010-Mar-16, 07:27 AM



Settle PK!  Wasn't making a judgement.  Was just stating what the Mexican stand-off is really all about!  stop
Logged
goodwoman
Group3
user 712
Offline Offline
Alias: goodwoman
Posts: 800
2010-Mar-16, 07:30 AM



Having said all that, now I will make a call!  Don't think the majority of GCTC members will agree with you and therein lies the problem for the Board.  what
Logged
Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 9   Go Up
 
« previous next »
 
Back to "All Topics"      Back to "Home Page"
Jump to:  

 - Links - Luxbet Horse Racing Betting - Racenet - Horse Racing - Noms and Acc - QTAB - TAB Horse Racing Betting - Racing and Sports - Horse Racing Only
Powered by SMF 1.1.15 | SMF © 2011, Simple Machines
TinyPortal v0.9.8 © Bloc | Adagio design by Bloc