Floods put Magic Millions runners in doubt

EUREKA Stud horses just made it to the Gold Coast Magic Millions but breeder Scott McAlpine does not know how or when his crew will get home to Toowoomba.

The third-generation horse breeder has never missed a Magic Millions, but came close to it this year.

Mr McAlpine is on the Coast with his three sons and 24 foals to sell.

Another three of his horses are meant to race on Saturday at the Magic Millions race day, but a closed highway and continued rain are putting the runners in doubt.



He said the flood disaster had affected many breeders.

''There are a lot of breeders and buyers who travel from all over Queensland to come to the Magic Millions,'' he said.

''A lot of them have been stranded with much more pressing issues than horses.

''My trainers and handlers are stranded in Toowoomba, so we're doing what we can here, before we go home to help with the clean-up.

''We're hoping the highways re-open before the weekend so we can get home to give a hand.''

Mr McAlpine said no one he knew had been hurt.

''Fortunately none of our friends or family were harmed, but we have heard some horror stories,'' he said.

''It's absolutely devastating, but we will get through Australians always do.''