Blair Burke won the Small Ponies race and Emmie Savage from Bangalow won the Big Ponies race.

Cruz Richardson from Casino came fifth in his race.

Original story

The Magic Millions on the Gold Coast is recognised as the second largest horse race event in Australia after the Melbourne Cup.

Local riders from Woodburn and Casino are racing in the National Pony Club Racing Series at Magic Millions Gold Coast at 12.05pm, Saturday, January 6. The race will be televised on Channel 7.

Jada Spicer, 12, from Woodburn Pony Club will be there.

She’s been obsessed with horses her whole life, her mother Tammi Davis said.

“My mum and grandma own a horse farm in Woodburn , so it was bred into her .

“She started riding around two. She would follow her aunty around the property asking to be put on a horse.”

Jada has never ridden in a horse race before.

She was in the qualifier yesterday and had the opportunity to try out the race track at Gold Coast Turf Club.

It is good preparation for her and for her horse – her ‘bestie’ Chief.

“We can’t wait to watch her fly down that straight, cheering her on,” Tammi said.

For the big race, Jada will be wearing Annabel Neasham Racing silks and riding in the Small Pony category.

Cruz Richardson, 13, from Casino is also in his first race.

His mother Josie Richardson runs Little Ranch Horse Riding School.

Cruz has been riding since he was tiny, Josie said.

He’ll be on Louis the Legend.

Josie was at the Gold Coast Turf Club when IndyNR.com spoke to her.

It was very exciting at the track, she said. “Gai Waterhouse is here.”

The riders that come first or second today get to ride in Sydney.

Joining Jada and Cruz at Magic Millions is Liam Dau from Urbenville.

Good luck to all the riders. You’ve already won by being there.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 6 January 2024.