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Frankie Dettori set to take part in Australia's Magic Millions in January

Frankie Dettori: to ride in Australia in 2020
Frankie Dettori: to ride in Australia in 2020Credit: Edward Whitaker

Frankie Dettori will be the headline performer for January's Magic Millions carnival on Australia's Gold Coast, during a visit when he will play polo against weighing-room rival Hugh Bowman.

The 48-year-old dominated Goodwood last week and rode his 12th Group 1 winner since May on Advertise at Deauville on Sunday.

The Magic Millions is a raceday based around the Gold Coast yearling sale in Queensland where only horses formerly bought from the sale can compete in the nine-race meeting. The Magic Millions Classic, worth $2 million, is the feature event.

Dettori will ride at the $10 million raceday on January 11 as well as taking part in a polo match and in the dawn ride down the beach at Surfer's Paradise.

"My plan is to secure a ride in the main race at Magic Millions, and while I am coming out for the whole experience, what better way to start the carnival week than trying my hand at polo, playing against none other than Australia's Hugh Bowman," Dettori said.

Winx: a 2013 purchase from the Gold Coast yearling sale
Winx: a 2013 purchase from the Gold Coast yearling saleCredit: Mark Evans

Whilst Dettori's undeniable talent on a racehorse is world renowned, he has limited experience at polo. The current Longines World's Jockey of the Year will be responsible for captaining Team Ferrari in his Polo debut against arch rival Hugh Bowman at Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo on January 5.

"I'll be trying to get some practice in ahead of Magic Millions," he said.

"My brother-in-law plays polo so I'll be after some tips. The competitive side of me wants to make sure I can try and match it with Hugh on the polo field for sure."

Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page Harvey says the involvement of Dettori will help take the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo to another level.

"Christmas and early January is his time to lie on a beach and take a well-earned break. But I had other ideas. Anyone who knows me and is close to Magic Millions knew I wanted Frankie for Magic Millions 2020."


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