On the eve of the 2012 Magic Millions carnival and yearling sale, Gerry Harvey has once again called on Queensland Premier Anna Bligh to sign off on a $35 million upgrade to the Gold Coast racecourse.

Harvey is presiding over his first carnival as sole owner of Magic Millions since buying out John Singleton and Rob Ferguson.

Given government help, Harvey has promised to transform the Magic Millions race day into Australia’s richest meeting and he also wants the carnival to remain permanently at its current venue at Bundall.

“A $10 million race day on the Gold Coast would be a big, big thing,” Harvey told the Gold Coast Bulletin.  “It means we’ve got to double the prizemoney but it is very tempting.

“As it is, the Magic Millions brings more into Queensland than any other event.”

The Queensland State Government gave a commitment to fund the Gold Coast Turf Club two years ago but the industry is yet to see any money.

Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Grant Sheather said draft plans for a redevelopment of the precinct would include an upgrade of the circuit and facilities.  Relaying turf across the course proper, widening the track and realigning the home turn would also be part of the development.