THE sun shone and the stars lined up for the inaugural Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo at The Spit on the Gold Coast.
Passionate patron of Magic Millions Racing Women, Zara Phillips MBE – granddaughter of the Queen – and Magic Millions ambassador Mike Tindall (Zara’s husband) made their first official appearance this year, as they posed for photographs.
Zara Phillips MBE – granddaughter of the Queen – and Magic Millions ambassador Mike Tindall. Picture: Ken ButtiSource:Supplied
The effervescent, sporty and always amiable pair suffered a devastating year-end when Ms Phillips miscarried late last year.
The pair already have a divine three-year-old daughter, Mia.
The British equestrienne arrived in a stunning white Zimmermann dress and played later in the afternoon as part of Team Harrolds, with Ignacio Novillo Astrada – one of the best players in the world – and Rob Archibald, an Australian top player.
Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo with Zara Phillips, Mike Tindall, Gerry Harvey, Katie Page-Harvey, Ignacio Novillo Astrada, Alejandro Novillo Astrada. Picture: Ken ButtiSource:Supplied
Ms Phillips did take a tumble, according to reports, while Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne also stepped into play two chukkas for the very real Royal.
Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo with Francesca Cumani, Zara Phillips and Michelle Payne. Picture: Ken ButtiSource:Supplied
The opposing star-studded team consisted of Rob Archibald’s wife Francesca Cumani, Magic Millions spokesperson and international racing commentator, and Jack Archibald (his brother) as well as Alejandro Novillo Astrada (Ignacio’s brother).
Prior to the main game, spectators enjoyed a polo match between players who will represent Australia in the World Polo Championships in 2017.
The Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo is the creation of Magic Millions co-owners Katie Page-Harvey and Gerry Harvey, who were on course during the day, as was their daughter Georgie Harvey. Gerry took part in the obligatory divot stomp.
Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo with Gerry Harvey and Hamish McLachlan. Picture: Ken ButtiSource:Supplied
Celebrities and VIPs flocked to the Audi VIP Marquee including Amanda Abate (local Magic Millions ambassador), Kathy O’Hara (Group 1 winning jockey) and Magic Millions ambassador and Magic Millions Sales and Carnival ambassador Hamish McLachlan, who was the MC of the event.
Other VIPs included 800 Words actress Emma Leonard, Hoges stars Nikki Osborne and Lauran Gordon, Zana Pali and Gianni Romano and food guru Donna Hay.