Attack dogs, infra-red cameras which detect night movement and high-tech alarms are part of beefed-up security measures to protect the Gold Coast track from another poisoning drama ahead of the rich Magic Millions carnival.<\/p>\n
Chaos erupted on the coast last year when a portion of the track was poisoned with chemicals, forcing The Wave\/Sunlight slot race meeting to be sensationally transferred to the Sunshine Coast.<\/a><\/p>\n Conspiracy theories ran rampant, but GCTC officials always insisted it was vandalism rather than human error from track staff.<\/p>\n A police investigation was launched, with no culprit ever arrested, but 12 months on the Turf Club is taking no chances, rolling out a range of new security measures.<\/p>\n \u2022 PUNT LIKE A PRO<\/a>: Become a Racenet iQ member<\/a> and get expert tips \u2013 with fully transparent return on investment statistics \u2013 from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips<\/a> section. SUBSCRIBE NOW<\/a>!<\/p>\n The Gold Coast track won’t be as heavily protected as Fort Knox but it won’t be far off, going into two consecutive Saturdays which offer more than $20m in prizemoney and bonuses.<\/p>\n “We have beefed up security considerably, for starters I’ve got canine security dogs on track from 6pm at night until we open for trackwork in the morning,” GCTC chief executive Steve Lines told Racenet.<\/p>\n “We have put in our own trackside, internal infra-red cameras and they are alarmed so if there is movement on the track during the night, they are hooked up cameras with alarms that turn on.<\/p>\n “I’ve also acquired five cameras from Gold Coast City Council that they use for the marathon down here, they are mobile cameras and they are monitored 24\/7.<\/p>\n The countdown is on, the excitement is building. \u2014 Magic Millions (@mmsnippets) December 16, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022 Warwick Farm to Gold Coast: J-Mac’s back and ready to dominate<\/a><\/p>\n “We also have put a brand new fence line right through the back of the track, which cost over $100,000.<\/p>\n “And we have had security staff set up here \u2013 physical security \u2013 from a week ago. <\/p>\n “Can you protect 43 hectares in its entirety and say its totally safe and guaranteed?<\/p>\n “That’s near impossible.<\/p>\n “But have done everything we possibly can.”<\/p>\n Even apart from the poisoning strife which created national news headlines, the Gold Coast track has been in the wars more often than not in recent years.<\/p>\n The positive news is the track has performed very well in recent times, with star Sydney jockey Tommy Berry<\/a> giving it a glowing appraisal after he rode at the trials there on Monday.<\/p>\n Champion jockey James McDonald @mcacajamez<\/a> will get the chance to win a second Magic Millions 2YO Classic when he partners impressive last-start Randwick winner Knightsbridge on January 17. Story: @bendorries76<\/a> \ud83d\udc47https:\/\/t.co\/ctHwqQgKZl<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Racenet (@RacenetTweets) January 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n
The love for the TAB Magic Millions Carnival is real! #RoadToMagicMillions<\/a>#MMGC2026<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/ksiknxFNGx<\/a><\/p>\n