Dress up for a day on the track at Murray Bridge’s Magic Millions event

On the last Saturday of the summer, you’ll need to make your way to the Murray Bridge Race Course for a spectacular FIRST, as the Magic Millions 2YO South Australian Classic takes place at the pristine new facility. Whether you like to dress up and socialise, or relax on lawns with the family, the new Murray Bridge Race Course is your perfect place to be on Saturday, 27 February. And honestly, after the year we’ve all had, getting out and enjoying SA’s regional venues with friends and family has never felt better.

On the last Saturday of the summer, you’ll need to make your way to the Murray Bridge Race Course for a spectacular FIRST, as the Magic Millions 2YO South Australian Classic takes place at the pristine new facility.

Whether you like to dress up and socialise, or relax on lawns with the family, the new Murray Bridge Race Course is your perfect place to be on Saturday, 27 February. And honestly, after the year we’ve all had, getting out and enjoying SA’s regional venues with friends and family has never felt better.

Set amongst a rural backdrop, with some of the lushest lawns you’ve ever seen, the space is perfect for a day out with friends – especially as summer comes to an end (and the added bonus, is this year, the event will include a wine/cheese tasting marquee for all guests, plus a live band).

 

 

One of the best things about the Murray Bridge Racing Club is that you’ll have on-site caterers and event-specialists Bridges Event Centre to take care of you on the day – so you can soak up the atmosphere of the Magic Millions without worrying about too much else!

The Bridges team are in charge of what is now the largest regional event centre in SA, so they know how to look after their guests. This means that as well as spectacular views over the course throughout the day, you’ll also be treated to great food, wine, beer and cocktails. As well as delivering the goods on race days, this team also delivers on major events such as weddings, conferences, milestone birthdays and more!

The brand new, pristine and modern space provides plenty of different areas to watch the races. Whether it’s standing in the members area, on the grand steps to the event centre, out on the lawns under the umbrellas, or in your own private marquee – you’ll have plenty of options to soak up the atmosphere of a beautiful summer race day.

Everyone can enjoy a day at the races and – we’ve mapped out some of our favourite ways to enjoy a day at the Murray Bridge Race Course, so read on to find out what your style might be?

 

1. Get your group together

The atmosphere of a race day is perfect for a group of friends looking for a day out of the city to breathe in that fresh rural air, and be treated to some country hospitality. It’s also a great chance to dress up with your pals, after spending much of 2020 at home in our tracksuit pants (thanks to COVID).

Seriously though, even with COVID restrictions in place, the space at this course is so vast, with major functions rooms, huge lawned areas and a massive undercover deck – that there are plenty of places for you and your friends to frolic and get back to their social lives again!

Grab a group, book your tickets (anywhere from $20 to $175 depending on your style) and make your way on up to the ‘Bridge for the Magic Millions in a couple of weeks. For a group of 6 or more who are looking to step it up a notch, we’d recommend the Begood Toya Mother Packagewhich includes food and beverage vouchers, entry and a reserved table.

For the first time ever, the event also includes ‘A Happy Trails Marquee’ – hosting local wineries and cheese-makers, offering up tastings and platters for patrons to try. All guests (whether booked into a package or general admission) can wander into the marquee.

Recommended add on: If your group is planning on having a few drinks – why not stay the night in Murray Bridge at one of River Shack Rentals’ premium holiday houses with widespread riverfront views. This way you have the option to catch a brief taxi ride back, and spend Sunday exploring some of our other favourite places (see our other blogs for more ideas).

River Shack Rentals

River Shack Rentals

2. Family fun

There are two things we know kids love –  open space to play and watching the horses.  While most of our littlest guests may never be able to have their own pet pony, it’s a great opportunity to show kids the beauty and grace of these animals, as they parade around the course.

But after the toddlers are done deciding which “horsey” they want to take home, you’ll probably find them rolling down the big grassed mound, or playing chasey with friends somewhere on the lawn. With its relaxed country charm and family-friendly environment, the Murray Bridge Racing Club is always filled with giggling kids who are having a blast.

The day will also include live music from Circa74 – and no matter your age, you won’t be able to help but tap, shake and groove to their sounds throughout the day.

For families, we’d recommend the General Admission tickets, because let’s face it – you’ll be spending most of your time out on the lawns watching the kids, or visiting their favourite new horse in the stables anyway!

Recommended add on: If you’re heading up from the city, why not spend the weekend exploring some of our local playgrounds or the Murray Bridge Swimming Centre’s splash park and super slide! Find family-friendly accommodation options and other things to do in town here.

 

3. Racing enthusiasts

Is this the excuse you’ve been looking for to finally get out and visit the acclaimed new facility at Murray Bridge?

This is the first time ever, that the richest juvenile race in South Australia, the Magic Millions, will be held at the pristine new Murray Bridge Race Course – so if the races are your thing, then it’s worth making sure you’re there on the day to soak up the inaugural event.

Open to two-year-old horses sold at Magic Millions yearling sales, the $202,250 race was previously held on Adelaide Cup Day, but has now been moved forward nine days to create another marquee, standalone meeting for the acclaimed facility at Murray Bridge – and what a spot.

The new stables, event spaces and track are looking absolutely amazing right now – so grab those tickets and spend a day at the Murray Bridge track! If you really want to treat yourself, we’d recommend the aptly titled Behemoth Premium Package. This includes two-courses, afternoon snacks, a 4.5hour drink package, entry to the stunning Bridges Event Centre and a reserved table with some of the best views in the building.

Recommended add on: If you’re keen to make a weekend of it, why not travel up on the Friday night and enjoy a sunset cruise in Mannum, taking in some of the sights and sounds of our spectacular Murray River with Four Knots Cruises. Unfortunately, the major six-storey Bridgeport Hotel redevelopment won’t be ready for you until May (all the more reason to come back) – but there are plenty of other great weekend accommodation options, such as houseboats, riverside caravan parks, hotels/motels, bed and breakfasts’ and more. Spend your Sunday slowly making your way home with a visit to Monarto Safari Park, the Murray Bridge Golf Club or Bremerton Wines in Langhorne Creek.

Whatever your style is, come and join the Bridges Event Centre team at the Murray Bridge Racing Club on Saturday, 27 February for some fun on the track!

Find out more here.