Candice Warner announced as 2021 Golden Slipper Carnival ambassador

Candice Warner says there is a real “buzz in the air” with everyone in a “playful mood” ahead of a big Sydney event.

Horse racing was one of the few sports last year that managed to stay on track — literally — at the height of the pandemic.

But while the horses and jockeys didn’t miss a beat, the usual throng and buzz of the crowd was missing for a large part of the year.

Candice Warner launching the Autumn Racing Carnival at The Mint in Sydney. Picture: Toby Zerna

That’s what has Longines Golden Slipper Carnival ambassador Candice Warner most excited about this year’s Autumn racing.

Warner said she was thrilled to kickstart the racing season after COVID impacted much of last year.

“It’s really exciting, there is a real buzz in the air,” she said at the Australian Turf Club’s official carnival launch at The Mint yesterday.

“I think everyone’s just in a real playful mood, whether it be with what they’re wearing or just the anticipation to get back on track and celebrate racing again,’’ she said.

The Autumn Racing Carnival, across Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick, kicks off this Saturday and runs through to April 17.

It features 48 Blacktype races, 18 Group 1 races and over $37 million in prizemoney and trophies.