Scone Race Club (SRC) and Magic Millions Sales Pty Ltd announce a historic and dynamic long-term partnership. Magic Millions is committed to investing in Scone Race Club the racing hub of Australia’s thoroughbred capital, the Upper Hunter Valley in addition to elevating the profile of breeding excellence that emanates from within this economically crucial agricultural region.
The partnership comes as Scone, widely recognised as the Horse Capital of Australia, prepares to host the 80th year of the iconic Darley Scone Cup in 2026.
Effective January 1, 2026, Magic Millions becomes the Exclusive Thoroughbred Auction House Partner of the Scone Race Club and sees the establishment of the Magic Millions Mounting Yard.
The Upper Hunter Valley, centred around Scone, holds an irreplaceable position in the history and significance of the Australian thoroughbred industry. Home to legendary stud farms, it is a global powerhouse responsible for producing an unparalleled volume of elite equine racing athletes. The Scone Race Club, situated centrally, acts as the cultural and physical hub of this activity.
The strategic alliance is driven by a mutual, commitment to the Australian thoroughbred industry, leveraging the unique strengths of both organisations to promote excellence, investment, and community support in the region responsible for breeding the majority
Katie Page, Co-Owner, Magic Millions, said: “Gerry and I have owned our thoroughbred farm, Baramul in the Widden Valley since 1999 and we’ve been partners at Vinery for over 20 years, in the equally stunning Segenhoe Valley. Scone and the Upper Hunter Valley are national treasures – a dual contribution of national economic significance and a tourism and event destination that can be enjoyed by all. Magic Millions and Scone Race Club is a partnership that aims to enhance both.
“Magic Millions has grown the Magic Millions January Sales and Raceday Carnival to over 100,000 visitor nights on the Gold Coast in 2025 and our Carnival is now a fourteen day sales and event celebration of the horse.
Our intention is to work with the Scone Race Club, using the Scone Racing Carnival with it’s Darley Scone Cup and Arrowfield Dark Jewel race meetings, nuanced to the unique beauty of the region, to enhance and promote the event destination potential.
This partnership with Scone Race Club is an act of deep conviction and a commitment to the very heart of our industry. The world-class farms of the Upper Hunter are the nurseries where champions are made, and they are the primary origin of the incredible young horses we offer at our sales. By partnering with Scone Race Club, we are consolidating our direct engagement with the breeders who underpin our entire business. As we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale this coming week, we are looking forward, ensuring the future vitality of the industry by investing right at the source. The Magic Millions Mounting Yard at Scone Race Club will be a daily reminder that the journey of every champion often begins in the Hunter.”
Alister Fraser, Chairman, Scone Race Club, said: “We are delighted to welcome Magic Millions to our stable of partners, alongside many of the Upper Hunter’s leading breeding farms including Darley, Arrowfield, Coolmore, Kia Ora, Yarraman Park, Vinery and Emirates Park.
Magic Millions brings a unique and highly complementary offering to this partnership, and we’re excited to work together for the benefit of our respective businesses and the broader thoroughbred community.
The Board remains firmly focused on the long-term sustainability and growth of Scone Race Club. With the opening of our Polytrack, the ongoing Racing NSW stables development within the adjacent equine precinct, and the continued support of our valued partners, now including Magic Millions, the future for the Club, the industry and the Upper Hunter region is extremely positive.”
Barry Bowditch, Managing Director, Magic Millions, said: “The alignment between Magic Millions and Scone Race Club is a natural fit—a true synergy between thoroughbred sales and the racecourse. Tradition and industry excellence is synonymous with the annual Scone Racing Carnival, We are committed to a partnership that takes the experience, the thrill of racehorse ownership to the broadest possible audience. The timing is perfect: the Scone Racing Carnival in Ma precedes the Magic Millions National Sale, the Southern Hemisphere's largest breeding stock sale.
This partnership creates a conception-to-sales-to-racecourse pipeline, strengthening the entire ecosystem and ensuring that the economic contribution we make directly supports the farms, local businesses, and the thoroughbred community in this vital area.”
The success of Magic Millions Yearling Sale graduates bred on farms from NSW’s Upper Hunter is a powerful testament to the region’s quality. Champion examples include Winx, Sunlight, Alligator Blood, Hitotsu and Imperatriz as well as present day stars Stefi Magnetica, Charm Stone and Ole Dancer, horses that demonstrate the region's capacity to deliver world-class racing talent.
Magic Millions is steeped in a significant history, known for transforming the bloodstock market with its world renown sales and graduate race series. The partnership arrives as the company marks a milestone this year: the 40th anniversary of its iconic January Yearling Sales, a celebration of four decades of innovation, champion-making, and unparalleled sales success.
This collaboration is also expected to enhance activations such as the annual Hunter Valley stallion parades in late August, ahead of the breeding season, further connecting the sales ring with the source of world-class prospective talent.
