Sydney sizes up trackside style and goes giddy-up . .

The NSW State premier, Kristina Keneally (middle) with this season's STC ambassador, Rachel Finch and the AJC racing ambassador Gracie Otto

Models focus in on millinery for the Sydney Autumn Carnival

Sydney plans to step up its trackside style with the 6-week Sydney Autumn Carnival (SAC) unifying the two major racing clubs.

Both the AJC (Royal Randwick) and the STC (Rosehill Gardens) have joined forces to create one identity over the upcoming racing carnival as opposed to working separately in promoting what has become a mighty huge seasonal money spinner.

Aside from the actual races, the pomp that goes on around them with millinery, fine frocks, corporate marquees (thanks to both Myer and David Jones who have vested interests in the carnival season) and a party atmosphere, Sydney has placed itself on the global races calender. The carnival is now nestled between the Dubai World Cup and the Kentucky Derby.

The NSW state premier, Kristina Keneally officially launched SAC at Luna Park in front of a roomful of corporate heavies from the STC, AJC, State Government, Tourism NSW, Events NSW, Racing NSW, the Inglis Stables and TabCorp.

With over $18 million in prize money with 6 consecutive Saturdays of racing, including the AAMI Golden Slipper and David Jones Australian Derby, for some it is just all about the a good frock, a nice hat and lots of champagne. Well that was my take when I intro-ed the fashion side of the carnival to the assembled throng.

Meanwhile, Golden Slipper Festival was given its official start tonight (Thursday) at a smart launch under Sydney’s Opera Point Marquee.
Celebrity guests and Sydney’s racing set celebrates together as the Festival and Sydney Autumn Racing embarked on a new era with Australia’s richest race day, the AAMI Golden Slipper Day, staged on Easter Saturday.

The launch also acted as a prelude to the Festival’s first day, Myer Ladies Day this Saturday at Rosehill Gardens.
Golden Slipper Festival ambassador and current Miss Universe Australia, Rachael Finch, was there as were the Nine network's sports presenter Cameron Williams, Ali Mutch, Nicola Finetti, Mike Goldman, Tania Zaetta, Laura Csortan and cutie pie jockey, Kathy O’Hara.