The cutest pony race comes to Murray Bridge’s Magic Millions event

There’s never been a better excuse to bring the kids to the races, as SA’s richest juvenile race (Magic Millions) comes to the Murray Bridge Racing Club and brings the cutest exhibition pony race with it too!

SA’s richest juvenile race is coming to the Murray Bridge Racing Club on the first weekend in March, and there’s never been more of a reason to dress up and hit the track! BUT – it’s not just the adults who will love a day out, the event will also play host to South Australia’s first exhibition PONY RACE (awwwwww), providing fun for all ages.

On Saturday, 5 March, the lush lawn in front of the Bridges Event Centre will be home to the 2022 Magic Millions SA Raceday – including the 2YO Classic, worth $200,000. So as travel and event restrictions ease in South Australia, this could be your perfect excuse for a weekend getaway with friends or family to the Murray River.

The pony race will open the card on the big day, so even if you only want to stay for a few hours, the kids will still get to take in the excitement of seeing this even up close. The race will see up to 10 ponies race down the Gifford Hill home straight at Murray Bridge – a real thrill for young horse lovers!

Renowned as one of the best and newest tracks in Australia, the Murray Bridge Racing Club has become an iconic home for the Magic Millions event, and with $320,000 in prize money on offer, the races are the headline act.

And while we love the excitement of the races, the reason we keep coming back to Bridges Event Centre (at the Murray Bridge Racing Club) is for this phenomenal venue and all of its offering. It provides the best of both worlds – the gorgeously pristine new event facility, along with country charm as you look past the track and into paddocks or Mallee scrub. It’s a five-star facility in the middle of the regions – and this is exactly why it’s perfect for your next day out with the crew.

One of the other great things about coming up the freeway to the races, is you feel like you’re in the country (because you are), but it’s only a 45 minute drive from the Adelaide Toll Gate! There’s no long, exhausting road trip to get here – you can either make the choice to head up for the day, OR – EVEN BETTER – make a weekend of it and experience the beauty of the Murray River.

But before we tell you about the things you can do while you’re here – let’s get back to the Murray Bridge Magic Millions event.

There are 3 x different levels of tickets raging from $175 per person down to $15 for entry.

At $175 per person ($150 for members), the premium package for the day is aptly named ‘The Behemoth’. This includes a 3-course plated lunch, 5-hour premium beverage package, reserved seating, racebook and admission.

Next in line is the popular ‘Private Eye’ package ($80). This includes lunch from the A La Carte menu, dessert, and drinks vouchers, plus reserved seating and admission.

Of course, it you want to revel with the punters, then general admission might be the way to go. This is the best way to soak up the fun on the lawns and is more affordable at $20 (or $15 concession and free for members).

This year, the event also has Norwood fashion brand Soal Sister sponsoring Fashions on the Field. This event is always a highlight, and with the crowd we’re expecting on the day, can’t wait to see what the fashionistas bring the track!

There are a bunch of other great activities still being finalised (some pending COVID restrictions easing – and you can jump over to the Murray Bridge Racing Club Facebook page to stay in touch with them).

Now don’t think that your trip to the Murray Bridge racetrack needs to end there. There’s so much more to explore while you’re here!

Why not stay 1-2 nights and keep the fun going with a trip to The Bend Motorsport Park! Here you can be the one on the racetrack, as you raise the heart rate during a hotlap, or get behind the wheel of Australia’s fastest karting circuit.

If a slower pace is more your style, why not head to the nearby (20 minute drive) Langhorne Creek Wine Region. Enjoy fun in the architectural wonder that is Kimbolton Wines Cellar Door, or head for a pizza and gin at Bremerton Wines. There are 8 cellar doors in total in the region – so there’s plenty to fill your extra day (or days).

If you’ve got the kiddos on board (or even if you don’t), Monarto Safari Park is an easy detour on your way home. This place is literally open EVERY day of the year, and provides unique, up-close experiences that people of all ages will love!

Or, if getting back to nature is more your thing, head for a drive to the nearby Coorong. From Adelaide, you’re half way there already, so why not use it as an excuse to get down to Lake Albert (Meningie) or even go further to Salt Creek (4WD only).

If you need a place to stay, there are plenty of options (either on the water or off!).

Luxury awaits at the newly redeveloped Bridgeport Hotel, where you can see the Murray from the apartments located on levels 2-6. Or simply drop in here for a cocktail on the terrace or dinner in the gorgeous restaurant.

30 Kookabura Lane, Idyll Acres – Serenity Lodge

If there’s a few of you, why not get a big luxury riverfront house through the crew at River Shack Rentals. These guys have the lion’s share of the premium river homes in the region and have something to suit all groups.

If you think you can stay a few extra days, why not consider a few extra nights on board a houseboat? The best place to start exploring which boat to choose is the Houseboat Hirers Association.

We can’t wait to see you at Magic Millions on 5 March, and we hope you’ll hang around and explore while you’re up this way – trust us, we know you’ll love it!