the Gold Coast Cougars, was established for the 1990 season. The Cougars were based at the Carrara Indoor Stadium; following the team's first season in the NBL, they rebranded to become the Gold Coast Rollers. The club fell into financial difficulties in 1996 which resulted in the NBL revoking their license. On 21 November 2006, the NBL accepted a bid for a new Gold Coast franchise, known as the Gold Coast Blaze, which played out of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. After five seasons in the league, the Blaze also folded due to financial troubles. Soccer On 3 June 2008, Football Federation Australia announced that Gold Coast United FC would join the A-League for the 2009–10 season and would play home games at Robina Stadium. Gold Coast United was funded by local billionaire Clive Palmer. After three seasons in which the club struggled to establish itself, its A-League licence was revoked and a new club established in its place in Western Sydney. Unusual ownership decisions made by Palmer, who personally lost $18 million during the three years, were generally considered to have hindered the club's growth; for example, a decision to cap home crowds at 5,000 in order to reduce rent and transport expenses was criticised by the Football Federation of Australia as being counteractive to the club's development. Beach Volleyball Surfers Paradise beach hosts one of the three Australian Beach Volleyball Tour Grand Slams each year. The Grand Slams are the highest level of domestic beach volleyball that can be played in Australia and count towards the national rankings as well as Olympic qualification. Horse Racing The Gold Coast Turf Club hosts weekly horse races every Saturday from 12 o'clock midday for a minor entry fee. Facilities include a bookmaker's ring, betting tote through UBET, four small to large function venues and public food and drink outlets. Magic Millions a thoroughbred auction sales and racing event is the largest to be held on the Gold Coast. This annual event held in January each year attracts buyers and enthusiasts from around the world, with one year a staggering $100 million turnover in yearling sales. The most prestigious horse race on the Gold Coast, also named the Magic Millions, is held each January at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Golf The Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast is home to both the Australian Ladies Masters (women's) and Australian