Thursday, 29 November 2018: In just seven years Magic Millions Racing Women has inspired thousands of women around the world to become actively involved in thoroughbred horse racing.

Sunlight

As a result millions of dollars have been injected into the industry with nearly 1000 horses registered for the $500,000 bonus on offer for all-female owned or leased horses in the $2 million 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast in January.
More than $22 million has been invested in the purchase of horses targeting the 2019 bonus that was introduced in 2012 to encourage greater female participation and recognition in the racing industry.
Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page says the initiative has exceeded expectations.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the Magic Millions Racing Women effect,” Page said. “It seems the lure of a $500,000 bonus was just the trigger many women needed to step into active ownership.
“We knew the expertise and passion was always equal to the men. You only have to go to the Magic Millions January Sales to see how well represented women are behind the scenes.
“Zara Phillips MBE signed on as MMRW Patron almost from the start. She was a big part of taking the MMRW message to the UK and Europe.
“We’re particularly delighted to see the impact Magic Millions Racing Women is having on the international racing scene.”
One of the most successful syndicates, ‘It’s All About the Girls’, brought together 40 women from eight different countries.
“What has caught us all by surprise is the growth in participation amongst women with no previous connection to the thoroughbred industry,” Page said.
“I think if you examined the data in each of the major markets, thoroughbred racing would come close to the fastest growing female participation sport in the world – granted it was coming off a low base.”
Ireland’s Elaine Lawlor, a member of ‘It’s All About the Girls’ and a board member of Goffs Bloodstock, is one of the most influential women on the world racing scene and says MMRW was just what the industry needed.
“For so long women watched their husbands who were involved in the business but weren’t involved themselves. Those times are changing,” Lawlor said.
“Magic Millions Racing Women is the only incentive anywhere in the world specifically encouraging women to get involved and it has sparked something special in our industry.
“It’s also highlighting the benefits of syndication which isn’t very big in Europe just yet.
“Syndication gives more people more access to a horse. It opens the industry up and gets more people involved.”
Since the inception of Magic Millions Racing Women 998 2YO thoroughbreds have been registered as solely owned (or leased) by women with nearly 50% of the 170 registrations for the 2019 MMRW Bonus containing first time owners.
A total of 30 MMRW eligible 2YOs have competed in the $2 million 2YO MM Classic since the first MMRW Bonus was offered in 2013.
MMRW syndicates have won three of the six MM 2YO Classics since the inception of the bonus - Real Surreal (2013), Le Chef (2015) and Sunlight (2018).