The build up to the 2011 Magic Millions QTIS 600 Yearling Sale received a major boost today with the appointment of well known thoroughbred identity Tony McMahon as Regional Co-ordinator for the company.

An accomplished race-caller, is a familiar voice and face of racing, particularly in the Central, Western and Northern Queensland regions, McMahon will be responsible for co-ordinating a large number of tour groups from around the state for the hugely popular March sale.

Since being introduced in 2009, the Magic Millions QTIS 600 Yearling Sale has quickly established itself on the national thoroughbred sale calendar.

With the accompanying bonuses the sale has been particularly embraced by Queenslanders – with a large number of buyers converging on the Gold Coast from regional and provincial centres.

A large group of buyers from racing centres including Rockhampton, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and other regional areas are expected for the sale on March 20 and 21.

McMahon said he was delighted to take up the role as Regional Co-ordinator with Magic Millions.

“I’m delighted to be involved in co-ordinating the regional tours from provincial and country centres throughout Queensland to bring racing industry participants to the Gold Coast for the 2011 Magic Millions QTIS 600 Yearling Sale.”

“The response to date from tour group leaders in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Longreach has been overwhelming.”

“The QTIS 600 bonus scheme has been a salvation of racing in country Queensland and has produced some outstanding juveniles in the process.”

“It allows for the little country owner and trainer to race for elevated prize-money that just a few years ago was unheard of in the bush.”

“Racing Queensland Limited’s on-going commitment to program QTIS 600 bonus races at country and provincial centres outside of South-East Queensland on a regular basis is further incentive for country buyers to invest in graduates from next year’s sale.”

“For 12 years now my wife Jean and I have co-ordinated and led a Rockhampton tour group of horse buyers to the March Magic Millions Yearling sale, and this was the forerunner of the excellent tours from other centres that have come into being since.”

“I can thoroughly recommend the tours as a unique concept that allows country racing folk the rare opportunity of mixing business with pleasure with the minimum of expense,” McMahon summed up.

Magic Millions International Director David Chester welcomed Tony McMahon to the important Regional Co-ordinator role.

“Tony is a wonderful ambassador for racing in Queensland we’re delighted he will join with us to assist country buyers in regards to the QTIS 600 Yearling Sale.”

“In the lead up and during the sale Tony will work closely with owners, trainers, media and other group leaders to make the event a great success for all involved.”

“In two years the sale has quickly established itself as a premier event in Queensland and buyers from country areas at this sale have already enjoyed incredible returns.”

“There’s never been a better time for Queenslanders to buy and the QTIS 600 Yearling Sale compliments our other auctions at the Gold Coast and around the country,” Chester said.

“The feedback already from vendors is outstanding and we’ll certainly be hosting the best ever edition of the sale in March 2011.”