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Magic Millions CEO Gerry Harvey has a very humorous side and an inescapable presence. A key fixture at the Magic Millions sales which he co-owns with a deep-rooted understanding of what it takes to breed, sell and race an elite racehorse Harvey has developed an unmistakable sense of what works.
Although Harvey made his fortune in the retail industry, he empire extends across several industry lines including farming mini-cucumbers, raising cattle for beef as well breeding top quality racehorses and delivering a thoroughly cherished experience of buying (and selling) horses through the Magic Millions’ auction house. The recent lockdown in Queensland has posed many challenges for the most prestigious sales in Magic Millions’ stable of sales, i.e. the Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
However, with a team of seasoned professionals and a never-die attitude the self-made billionaire ensured his own attendance and helped many others to navigate their way to the sale. Here, Harvey touches on the upcoming Gold Coast Yearling Sale, some of Baramul stud’s highlight lots coming up for sale, learnings from COVID as well what the future holds for Libertini
Q: What are your learnings from the COVID 19 situation?
A: This year, we have done well in the retail industry. Although some countries went into lockdown at certain times of the year, others opened up. We had one of the most successful years this year. While the Thoroughbred industry has shown itself to be resilient and ready for newer challenges it has no doubt been a difficult year. When buying horses at the top end, buyers need to be part of the full buying experience which includes inspecting horses, watching the horses go through the ring, networking with other buyers and agents and speaking to the vendors. It's like buying at an exclusive jewellery boutique. The experience is to be cherished. The online experience just doesn’t compare.
Q: Could you tell us about your 2021 draft for the Gold Coast sale?
A: We have one of the biggest drafts in the sale. We have yearlings out of some of the best sires in the world like Snitzel, I am Invincible, Pierro, Not a Single Doubt and many other out of Group-winning mares. I also have a number of horses in partnership with other stud farms as well such as Segenhoe.
Q: What are your plans for Libertini going forward?
A: She is a lightly raced-mare with just 12 starts. She is a beautifully bred I Am Invincible filly out of Aloha and I would like to see her race as a 4YO, 5YO, 6YO and onwards. I believe that she is at her best when she races fresh.We are currently planning out a schedule for her next races