Perth is perfect for Magic Millions-style race
The unmistakable sound of galloping hooves could become a beachside attraction on WA's annual tourism palette if plans to emulate one of Australia's fastest-growing events come to fruition.
Millions of dollars have been splashed across the Gold Coast this week in the city's yearly Magic Millions horseracing and tourism extravaganza.
Australian racing's biggest names such as Gai Waterhouse and Gerry Harvey have urged the WA Government and racing industry officials to follow the lead ahead of Perth's Magic Millions sales and race day, which will be conducted on a much smaller scale next month.
"I think they should replicate everything they do here," Mrs Waterhouse told _The Weekend West _ during this week's sales.
"WA is a place of enormous vitality and I think they should incorporate that in their racing."
The Gold Coast, which will host Australia's biggest race day as of next year with a prize pool of $10 million, has this week been abuzz with Magic Millions euphoria since an exhibition gallop along Surfers Paradise beach attracted thousands of onlookers on Tuesday.
Magic Millions WA manager David Houston confirmed yesterday the company would pursue similar promotional opportunities, possibly along Perth's ideal coastline, to build the profile of the sales and the State.
Mr Harvey, the Magic Millions owner who has traded in WA with his Harvey Norman operation for nearly two decades, believed there was significant room for growth in WA.
He also believed the State was an economic powerhouse waiting to erupt and would be underpinned by the State Government's lavish infrastructure spending spree on projects such as Elizabeth Quay, the new Burs-wood stadium, the sinking of the Northbridge railway line and new hospital developments.
"I don't have any doubt that Perth and WA will be a (financial) powerhouse," Mr Harvey said.
"It's just as simple as it's going to happen.
"In 50 years, if we were around, you would look at it and say, 'Wow', because it's got so much going for it. It will come because you've got the ingredients for something to happen."
