Magic Millions track potentially poisoned early last week, police say

by Admin
January 6, 2025

Damage to a horseracing track that has put the Magic Millions’ main race under a cloud may have been caused by poison early last week, police say.

Investigations continue into the damage at the end of the track that saw the opening day of the carnival relocated to the Sunshine Coast due to safety concerns.

Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said officers were reviewing security camera footage and interviewing staff to determine whether there had been any unauthorised access onto the site.

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While the “discolouration” to the surface of the track was reported to police on Friday, he said it could have been caused several days earlier.

“It appears the damage may have been caused early last week … and it could be caused by some form of herbicide,” Chief Superintendent Hanlon said.

“The turf club’s engaged with all their employees who may be involved or may have worked around the area.”

Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon says investigations continue. (ABC News: Alexandria Utting)

He said no threats have been made towards the turf club or Magic Millions event and police have questioned animal advocates.

Chief Superintendent Hanlon said samples of the impacted grass had been taken for analysis, which would be “hopefully finished today or tomorrow”.

He said animal rights activists had been questioned, but yesterday an advocate said it was unlikely protesters would be responsible for the damage.

Questions over intent

Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said the course appeared to have been poisoned, but he was unable to say whether it was intentional or not, amid investigations.

“We’re not privy to comment on it currently,” he said.

A man in a suit looking at the camera — Gold Coast Turf Club chief executive Steve Lines says all hands have been on deck. (ABC News)

Mr Lines said a team of experts, including senior manager of Flemington Racecourse Liam O’Keeffe, was working to repair the damage by cutting out existing turf to be placed over the damaged section.

He said jockeys would ride horses over the new section on Thursday to determine whether races could go ahead on the weekend.

“Testing times for us but I’ve got to say, the team at Magic Millions have been totally unwavering in their support of us,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to trying to get as much resolution to this as we possibly can, to enable next Saturday.”

A man with a type of heavy duty turf machine. — Once the grass is laid, it’s a waiting game to see if the race can safely go ahead on the Gold Coast. (Supplied: Gold Coast Turf Club)

Toowoomba horse trainer Harry Richardson would prefer to race on the Gold Coast track, which he said had faced a number of issues in recent years.

“It is just sad that this has happened to the Gold Coast, ever since that new track has gone down at the Gold Coast they’ve had nothing but else but hiccups, problems,” he said.

“It’s a bit of a shame really — you just hope that everyone pulls together, and we all get over it and the industry moves on.”