THE Magic Millions carnival will be held in state-of-the-art facilities from next year with confirmation the tender process for stage one of the $35 million upgrade is down to the final three and work will commence next month.

DANIEL MEERS reports in the GOLD COAST BULLETIN that Racing Queensland will decide on a construction company by the end of January and have ordered the successful company to have work completed by October -- well before next year's carnival.

The news capped off a bumper weekend for the Gold Coast Turf Club after more than 16,000 people descended on the track and wagered a whopping $1.9 million through the on-course tote.

It was the biggest hold on the tote for at least three years.

Chief executive Grant Sheather last night confirmed the club was still on track to have the grandstand renovated and corporate suites built for next year's race.

He declared the addition of corporate facilities would increase the clientele the race day could attract.

"The tender process is down to three builders, the plan is to have the builders selected by the end of this month with work to begin in February and there is no reason why that will not happen," he said.

"The instructions will be to have work completed by Cox Plate day in October. The Spring carnival is a very busy period for the club and we want it done by then.

"You will have totally renovated top level, there will be premium lounges and plenty of corporate offerings.

"Work will also be carried out on the bottom floor."

Mr Sheather said the club was excited about the prospects of the upgrade.

"Magic Millions is our premium event and we want to offer them the best facilities we can."

It's believed the first stage of the upgrade will cost about $10 million.

Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page-Harvey spoke at length on Friday at the challenges both the Turf Club and Magic Millions had overcome to stage the event year in, year out with sub standard facilities.

"I think this news is something the entire industry can be excited about," she said.

Despite oppressive heat, Mr Sheather said Saturday's event was "operationally" among the best Millions days the club had hosted.

"It was obviously difficult conditions but the day went exactly to plan."

Police reported crowds were well behaved despite a large consumption of alcohol on a hot day.

Senior Sergeant Paul Hunter and said there was only minor incidents.

"The intox level has been OK," he said.

"It has been an extremely hot day; there were just a few minor incidents."

STORY SOURCE: GOLD COAST BULLETIN – NEWS LIMITED.