IT WOULD seem there is as much chance of the multi-million-dollar Magic Millions concept coming to Victoria in the near future as there is of the Melbourne Cup being run in Queensland, reports The Age newspaper.It says: A report yesterday suggesting the Magic Millions horse sales and racing is headed south from the Gold Coast has met with strong opposition - and even its owners are downplaying any prospect of an interstate move.''Look, to be honest we are staying here,'' Harvey Norman boss Gerry

IT WOULD seem there is as much chance of the multi-million-dollar Magic Millions concept coming to Victoria in the near future as there is of the Melbourne Cup being run in Queensland, reports The Age newspaper.

It says: A report yesterday suggesting the Magic Millions horse sales and racing is headed south from the Gold Coast has met with strong opposition - and even its owners are downplaying any prospect of an interstate move.

''Look, to be honest we are staying here,'' Harvey Norman boss Gerry Harvey, a principal at Magic Millions, said yesterday. ''It doesn't matter who approaches you to talk - if it's Victoria, Western Australia or even New York - we give them all a hearing.''

Racing Victoria chief executive Rob Hines and Racing Minister Rob Hulls said yesterday they would be willing to talk with the Magic Millions promoters.

But it is now understood that the report circulated yesterday was a tactical move by Magic Millions to pressure the Queensland Government to help finance the concept with a $10 million stake for next year's Magic Million two-year-old race. ''We have been here (Gold Coast) for such a long time. The reality is we want to stay here because the concept flourishes up here,'' Mr Harvey said.

''Queensland can't afford to lose this under any circumstances as it generates $52 million in revenue. There are enough smart people in government to get together and work something out.''

Advertising businessman and Magic Millions co-principal John Singleton agreed an arrangement could be reached to keep the event in Queensland.

''We got together last Friday and that was a very a positive meeting. I'm sure that we can work out a satisfactory deal that will suit all,'' Mr Singleton said.

The idea that Magic Millions would switch to Victoria drew ridicule at yesterday's Magic Millions sale.