Magic Millions and Scone Race Club have announced a long-term partnership that will see the thoroughbred auction house become the exclusive auction partner of the club from 1 January 2026.
The partnership, described as historic by both organisations, will establish the Magic Millions Mounting Yard at Scone Race Club and aims to elevate the profile of the Upper Hunter Valley’s breeding industry.
The announcement 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.
The Upper Hunter Valley, centred around Scone, is home to legendary stud farms and is recognised as a global powerhouse responsible for producing elite thoroughbred racing athletes. Scone Race Club sits at the heart of this activity as both a cultural and physical hub.
Magic Millions Co-Owner Katie Page said the partnership represented a deep commitment to the industry’s origins.
“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,” Page said.
“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.”
Page, who with husband Gerry has owned thoroughbred farm Baramul in the Widden Valley since 1999 and has been a partner at Vinery in the Segenhoe Valley for over 20 years, said Magic Millions would work with the club to enhance the Scone Racing Carnival’s potential as an event destination.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Scone Race Club Chairman Alister Fraser said the club was delighted to welcome Magic Millions alongside existing partners 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,” Fraser said.
“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.”
Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said the alignment between the two organisations was a natural fit.
“Tradition and industry excellence is synonymous with the annual Scone Racing Carnival,” Bowditch said.
“The timing is perfect: the Scone Racing Carnival in May 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.”
The partnership announcement coincides with Magic Millions marking the 40th anniversary of its January Yearling Sales.
Champions bred on Upper Hunter farms and sold through Magic Millions include Winx, Sunlight, Alligator Blood, Hitotsu and Imperatriz, along with current stars Stefi Magnetica, Charm Stone and Ole Dancer.
The collaboration is also expected to enhance activations such as the annual Hunter Valley stallion parades in late August ahead of the breeding season.
