Gold Coast foreshore gallop moves to Broadbeach ahead of Magic Millions

Organizers of the TAB Magic Millions Carnival relocated the famous foreshore gallop and its live barrier draw to Broadbeach, staging a family-friendly spectacle in front of Kurrawa Surf Club on January 13 as part of the build-up to Magic Millions Raceday on January 17. The beach gallop doubled as the live barrier draw for the $3 million 2YO Classic and the $3 million 3YO Guineas, bringing the carnival to the sand and to a larger local crowd.

The move was driven by crowd experience and logistics, with strong local interest reported. Broadbeach’s foreshore offered organisers more room for spectators and clearer sightlines for families, punters, and media to watch the parade and the live draw. Ambassadors and celebrity guests continued to be part of the attraction, reinforcing the event’s role as both a promotional and community-facing fixture in the lead-up to the feature races.

For racegoers and the local community the change was immediately visible. The Broadbeach setting delivered a more spectator-friendly atmosphere, with Kurrawa Surf Club providing a recognizable beachside backdrop and easy access for beachside foot traffic. The live barrier draw on the foreshore gave punters a front-row view of how the 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas fields were set, converting what is usually a studio moment into a public spectacle that feeds conversation and last-minute betting interest.

Beyond the spectacle, the relocation matters for local businesses and the carnival’s logistics. Greater pedestrian access and improved crowd management potential around Kurrawa can translate to stronger engagement for sponsors and nearby hospitality operators during the busy Magic Millions week. Event organisers emphasized that practical considerations underpinned the decision, aiming to balance fan access with the operational needs of running two of the carnival’s richest races.

The beach gallop’s popularity has been growing, and staging the barrier draw on the foreshore keeps the carnival accessible to families and casual fans while maintaining the racing industry’s ritual of a public draw. If you plan to attend Magic Millions Raceday on January 17, expect ongoing festivities concentrated around Broadbeach and Kurrawa, larger crowds, and extensive promotions in the precinct. Arrive early, allow extra time for transport and parking, and pick vantage points along the foreshore if you want to catch any build-up activity in the days before the big races.

The Broadbeach experiment offered a tangible demonstration of how place and presentation can amplify the carnival atmosphere. Watch how organisers build on this setup across the week and into future carnivals as the foreshore gallop continues to shape the Magic Millions experience.