QUEENSLAND, Australia, January 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Magic Millions today officially launched a $500,000 incentive for women to own thoroughbred horses, with the ambition to drive interest about employment opportunities and raising awareness about women's involvement in the horse racing industry.

The initiative was launched by two of Australia's most prominent women in business, Katie Page and Gai Waterhouse, who addressed a 200 strong crowd of influential women at the Magic Millions Sales Complex on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

Page said, "Women still earn 17 per cent less than men in Australia for the same job. We have a long way to go and I hope the half-million helps.

"I promise you that participation of women in racing will be different from today. This is an exciting sport and it should be 50 per cent women and 50 per cent men. Nothing under that is acceptable."

The Magic Millions Racing Women scheme was announced last November by Katie Page and husband Gerry Harvey.

Gerry Harvey commented about the lucrative prize money, "When Katie first told me about the half-million prize pool, I told her it was like plundering the store room and giving it to a bunch of skirts, but I know it will mean real growth for the industry in the end".

Gai Waterhouse, Australia's leading female trainer said, "Katie, by this concept, has opened the door for all women and their friends to get involved with myself and the others, but make sure you have a lady trainer please!"

The Magic Millions 2YO Classic in 2013 will have a Magic Millions Racing Women incentive bonus of $500,000, which will be distributed between the top four all-female owned or leased horses, in finishing order. That's on top of the $2 million in prize money already on offer for the Classic.

Helen Page, a leading Queensland trainer said, "something that Queensland really needs is this boost from Gerry and Katie with the extra money and the extra incentive because Queensland is a little stagnant at the moment - we need a lift right now".

For high resolution images, interviews with talent and further information contact:

Lisa Bond
00-11-61-408-830-829
lisa@mapandpage.com.au

Alana Stack
00-11-61-412-859-410
Alana@mapandpage.com.au

Attachments:

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SOURCE Map and Page