Zara Tindall is joined by Prince Harry’s best friend Nacho Figueras at Magic Millions on Australia’s Gold Coast – as Chris Hemsworth’s wife Elsa Pataky watches on with Mike
Zara and Mike Tindall have escaped the plunging British temperatures for some winter sun by heading to Australia’s Gold Coast.
The King’s niece, 42, and her former rugby pro husband, 45, put on a loved up display at Surfer’s Paradise in Queensland as she appeared at the Magic Millions Barrier Draw.
Making sure it was a very star-studded affair, Zara was joined by her cousin Prince Harry‘s best friend Nacho Figueras, dubbed the ‘David Beckham of Polo’, and Chris Hemsworth‘s wife Elsa Pataky.
Dressed in white leggings, and a red Magic Millions polo, Zara – who is an ambassador for the event – wrapped her arms around husband Mike, before mingling with various stars.
At one point the Olympian hopped on the horse to ride in the sea, while she later took her horse to ride alongside the crowd of fans and high fived and shook hands with well-wishers.
Zara and Mike Tindall have escaped the plunging British temperatures for some winter sun by heading to Australia’s Gold Coast (pictured)
Dressed in a red polo shirt, Zara was joined by Chris Hemsworth’s wife Elsa Pataky
Magic Millions ambassadors Nacho Figueras, Billy Slater, Delfina Blaquier and Zara Tindall during the Magic Millions Barrier Draw
Zara was joined by her cousin Prince Harry ‘s best friend Nacho Figueras, dubbed the ‘ David Beckham of Polo, and his wife Delfina Blaquier
From left: Mike Tindall, Nacho Figueras, Delfina Blaquier, Elsa Pataky, Zara Tindall, Billy Slater, Nicole Slater
Meanwhile Mike, opted for a green ‘MM’ hat with beige shorts and a blue shirt as he watched Zara alongside Nicole Slater, the wife of Billy Slater – a former Aussie rules coach turned horse breeder who was demonstrating alongside Zara.
Nicole describes herself as an ‘equine artist’ with her paintings of horses selling for up to $60,000 (£31,500).
Also joining the starry group was Nacho’s wife Delfina Blaquier, 43, a stunning Argentinian socialite.
Zara is an ambassador for Magic Millions at Doug Jennings Park at Main Beach. The cousin of Prince William and Harry has travelled to the event most years since 2013, only taking a break during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The Magic Millions Racing Women Achievement Awards celebrates ‘outstanding national success and achievements by women in the thoroughbred industry’.
Zara is one of five judges on the panel for the racing awards, which were presented to winners at the dinner.
She’s previously said she loves escaping Down Under in winter months as the UK is ‘bleak in January’.
Zara and Mike have made no secret of their love affair with Australia, having first met in a Sydney bar when Mike was drowning his sorrows after being cut from the England squad during the 2003 World Cup. Zara was on a gap year and they were introduced by Prince Harry.
Dressed in white leggings, and a red Magic Millions polo, Zara – who is an ambassador for the event rode horses
Zara looked in her element to be in the sunshine and at the sea
Zara presented the awards alongside Billy Slater, a retired Australian rules football coach
Mike and Zara pose with Nicole amd Billy Slater – a former Aussie rules coach turned horse breeder who was demonstrating alongside Zara. Nicole describes herself as an ‘equine artist’ with her paintings of horses selling for up to $60,000 (£31,500)
The mother-of-three appeared in the element on the Queensland beach alongside Mike
Zara (second right) and Mike (left), were joined by artist Nicole Slater (second left), actress Elsa Pataky (fourth left) as well as breeder Billy Slater (fourth right), Nacho Figeuras (third left) and his wife Delphia (right)
A doting royal, Zara greeted well wishers and high-fived crowds
To the sea! Magic Millions ambassadors Nacho Figueras, Billy Slater, Delfina Blaquier and Zara Tindall during the Magic Millions Barrier Draw
The Tindalls previously rang in the 2020 New Year in Sydney with an A-list crowd, including Rebel Wilson.
Zara has previously said she’s ‘thinking about moving to Australia’, telling The Australian Women’s Weekly in 2019 she would move ‘if an opportunity came up’.
‘Early January is bleak over here [in their home of Gloucestershire in England] so it’s nice to be able to go and have a bit of sun,’ she said.
‘I love the lifestyle of Australia and the ability to get up early, go on the beach – especially for the kids,’ Mike told the magazine.
The event has also seen saw equestrian play Polo. Nacho and Delfina played two games.
Nacho has been making headlines over the past few years for his close friendship to Prince Harry.
Supportive spouses Nicole and Mike watched their other halves on horseback
The very starstudded affair saw Elsa Pataky and India Hemsworth also watch
Elsa, the Spanish actress who lives in nearby Byron Bay with husband Chris, hugs Mike
Elsa appears to have struck up a freindship with the Spanish star
Zara was a world away from the chilling UK temperatures toady
Zara looked delighted to trot on the beach
The royal proved she was well-mannered as she chatted to fans
It’s thought their friendship dates back to 2007 – so perhaps it’s no surprise he has become a supportive figure in Harry’s new life, away from the Royal Family.
They have played polo alongside one another in various matches over the years, and Nacho has become one of Harry and Meghan Markle’s most vocal supporters, praising them in interviews.
The Magic Millions Racing Women Achievement Awards celebrates ‘outstanding national success and achievements by women in the thoroughbred industry’.
Zara is one of five judges on the panel for the racing awards, which were presented to winners at the dinner.
There is also showjumping competitions featuring Olympic competitors.
Live entertainment is also promised, as well as a host of summery activities for guests to enjoy.
Zara and Mike often spend January Down Under
Zara looked in her element on the Australian beach
Zara proved she’s far from a stuffy royal on the beach
On the event’s Instagram page, it was announced that Zara would ride in the Magic Millions Queensland Off-The-Track Cup Final as the ‘Celebrity Wildcard’.
‘It’s great, the horses have finished their career on the track, and they have got the opportunity to have another career,’ she said in the post caption.
‘That’s what it’s all about, equine welfare and looking after the off the track.’
Zara and Mike have been making the most of their Australia trip, having enjoyed an evening of celebrations earlier in the week.
Zara looked glamorous in an embellished midi dress as she attended an awards dinner with her husband.
The daughter of Princess Anne dressed up for the Magic Millions Racing Women Achievement Awards in a chic black dress, which featured gold floral embellishments.
She wore her blonde hair swept back in a sleek up-do for the occasion, and carried a white, pearlescent clutch bag with metal detailing.
Her dress, by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance, also featured slightly puffed cap sleeves, and fell to just below her knees.
She completed her ensemble with pointed black heels, and kept her make-up fresh and minimal for the dinner.
