The BMW Magic Millions Carnival and Raceday launched its new advertising campaign today, which was created on the Gold Coast in October to showcase Australia’s premier summer racing carnival.

Featuring rising stars, Queensland-born models Nicole Pollard and Nathan Jolliffe, the campaign was photographed at Broadbeach by renowned fashion photographer, Chris Colls. A crew of 32, plus four thoroughbreds and four horse handlers, collaborated to produce an array of images that capture the excitement and colour of BMW Magic Millions Carnival and Raceday. Working closely with event sponsors including BMW, Myer, R.M.Williams, and Events Queensland, the shoot showcases the quintessential Australian glamour exhibited at the Gold Coast Turf Club during the carnival.

17-year-old Nicole Pollard is a student and international super model in the making. Pollard has graced the runways of Milan and Paris after making her debut in 2010 at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week where she walked in an impressive 22 shows – the most walks booked by a debuting model. Signed to Next Model Management in New York, Pollard is considered by industry-insiders to be an emerging international talent.

Pollard says it is the fashion side of the carnival that excites her, “I think being on the Gold Coast, fashion is a lot more fun and vibrant, so women aren’t afraid to go out wearing their bright and bold colours. Myer has a great collection for this season. One of the main trends going around is the colour clash, which is all bright and bold colours like hot pink, bright reds and tangerines”.

Joining Pollard in the campaign is Gold Coast local, model Nathan Jolliffe. Locally his profile has grown from work with Australia’s best known fashion brands. In 2010 Nathan and his good mate Tyler competed in the first Australian The Amazing Race. Drawing on his experiences travelling, he navigated his way through some of the world’s busiest cities and in a dramatic finish, he and his race partner won the 2011 series. Jolliffe said he is looking forward to attending the carnival, “I’ve always had a strong connection to the BMW Magic Millions Carnival – I’m born and raised on the Gold Coast so it always lets us know summer is here. It’s a good excuse to hang out with friends, get some surfing in and then enjoy a big day out at the races”.

Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox said the campaign captures the fun and energy of the Gold Coast lifestyle.

“Our stakeholders and partners agree that the campaign should be illustrative of the city which they are very proud of, one what we want to showcase to visitors to the yearling sales and carnival events each January.

“We’re very much looking forward to the 2012 BMW Magic Millions Carnival – the quality packed yearling sales and the exceptional raceday, Queensland’s richest.”

“The Gold Coast is the perfect backdrop for this great carnival and our clients and visitors really look forward to visiting the region each year.”

“Support from the Queensland Government, through Events Queensland, and our major sponsors, including BMW, help us take the carnival to new heights each year and 2012 is no different – the carnival will be one of the best in Australia again.”

To coincide with the BMW Magic Millions Carnival and Raceday campaign, the revamped website has also gone live today http://www.magicmillions.com.au. The website will provide a greater depth of information about the carnival for local, interstate and international visitors as well as feature the ability to pre-register for Myer Fashions on the Field.

The 2012 Carnival commences on 8 January, with the first day of Magic Millions yearling sales taking place on 11 January. The Carnival culminates with the BMW Magic Millions raceday at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday 14 January 2012, which is the largest sales incentive race day in the world with the BMW Magic Millions Race Day specifically carrying a prize purse of $4.5 million. The $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic is the highlight of the race schedule – with only graduates of the Magic Millions yearling sales eligible to compete.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said with the Gold Coast on a high after winning the Commonwealth Games next year’s Magic Millions will be better than ever.

“There’s such a buzz on the Coast right now and it’s only natural that the Magic Millions will benefit from that,” said Ms Bligh.

“The Magic Millions has greatly boosted the Gold Coast’s credentials as an event destination.

“Millions of dollars trade hands in thoroughbred purchases, there’s plenty of glitz and glamour, and it showcases our racing industry to a national and international audience.

“For Coast businesses it helps fill hotels, shops and restaurants with big spending visitors, which is a shot in the arm for the local economy and jobs.

“That is why the Queensland Government, through Events Queensland, is investing in events like this as part of our record $174 million in events across the State over four years, “I encourage visitors planning their trip to Queensland for the Magic Millions Race Day and Carnival to stay on and see what the Gold Coast region has to offer – great weather, shopping, dining and entertainment.”

For ticketing and information about Carnival events visit http://www.magicmillions.com.au or call 07 5504 1200