Celebs step up for spring racing carnival

Tuesday 2 September 2014, 2:37pm

Spring is the perfect time to leave the kids at home with grandma and get dressed up for the races - at least that's how Braith and Jodi Anasta are looking at it.

The couple handed their baby daughter Aleeia over to the recently retired NRL star's mother on Tuesday to attend the launch of the Sydney spring carnival at Royal Randwick.

And given they've both been unveiled as part of the Australian Turf Club's (ATC) star-studded new line-up of ambassadors, Nanna Anasta will probably have her hands full this season.

"There is a slight bit of guilt going on when you have to spend the day away from her," Jodi said of Aleeia, who has just turned six months old.

"But my mum loves her to death," added Braith.

"It gives her an excuse to take her for the day."

Anasta, who announced his retirement from rugby league last month at 32, has walked straight off the field and onto the racecourse for the ATC.

The former Wests Tigers player and his model-actress wife will work together for the first time when they join fellow celebrity ambassadors Rachael Finch, Kyly Clarke, wife of cricketer Michael, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Nova's "Wippa" Michael Wipfli and "Fitzy" Ryan Fitzgerald.

The high-profile group will host a slew of events at Randwick and Rosehill Gardens throughout September and October, including the always-anticipated Myer Fashions On The Field.

Clarke said thin headband millinery would replace larger fascinators in the women's department this season, while crisp white on white would also have a strong presence among trackside clobber.

"I think prints and florals as well are going to be quite popular," she said, decked out in a sleek, navy Alex Perry frock.

Fitzy & Wippa had no problem admitting the sartorial side of the races isn't their strong point.

The comedic duo will kick off the spring calendar on September 13's Golden Rose Day at Rosehill Gardens, where they'll run a VIP party.

Well, sort of VIP.

"Everyone's invited ... just drop our name at the door and you're in," joked Wipfli.

With a drawcard like that, the punters should be coming in droves.

Still, Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Gai Waterhouse had some tips on how to get more Sydneysiders to the trackside.

"Free entry is essential. You can go to the pub and you don't pay, so why would you pay to go to the races?" Waterhouse said.

"But most importantly, beverages and food prices must go down."

– AAP

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