A romance appears to be blossoming between two high-profile sporting identities

Tongues are wagging over a possible budding romance between a racing reporter and model and an AFL player. FULL DETAILS

Stunning Grace Hayden with Curtis Taylor and Ruby Tonzing at Stakes Day.

A new romance between a young sporting couple looks to be blossoming.

Channel 7 racing reporter Grace Hayden and gun North Melbourne midfielder Curtis Taylor were a standout couple in The Birdcage on Saturday.

The pair attended TAB Champions Stakes Day with friends including Taylor’s first cousins, Brooke and Jackson Warne.

Hayden, the daughter of cricket legend Matthew Hayden, has made a big impression since joining Seven’s coverage for the Caulfield Cup Carnival.

The 20 year-old model, who got the code red memo styled by Paul Versace from Styled by Bloom, is a natural in front of the camera and has fit in well to Melbourne’s social scene.

Grace Hayden and Curtis Taylor were standouts in The Birdcage on Saturday.

Tippah Dwan and Josh Dunkley.

Ashlee Browning and Brayden Maynard.

Paddy McCartin and Lucy Brownless.

Taylor, 22, has a big future after playing more than 50 games for the Kangaroos and recently signing a new two-year deal.

Hayden interviewed her parents during the Cox Plate telecast and told Confidential she was definitely keen to pursue a career in television.

“I’ve really loved it,’’ she said.

“I don’t come from a horseracing background so it’s great to learn off people.

“I love seeing all the fashion and making new friends.

“Neither mum nor dad has been to a race day in Melbourne because dad could never go with his cricket schedule.”

There were plenty of footballers at the track on Saturday, including Collingwood stars Brayden Maynard, Jeremy Howe, Jack Crisp and Nick Daicos.

Geelong champs Tom Hawkins and Mitch Duncan were enjoying the vibe at Lexus, as were Sydney’s Paddy McCartin and girlfriend Lucy Brownless, while Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps and fiance Monique Fontana enjoyed lunch at Villa Paradiso and new Brisbane recruit Josh Dunkley and netballer partner Tippah Dwan were at Paramount and TAB.