This year’s Face of the Carnival Stephanie Chambers and Carnival Ambassador Eric Musgrove began their roles at the launch, blending youth and experience and the social and racing aspects of the $1.5 million carnival.

Miss Chambers said fashion and horse racing were two of her passions.

The 22-year-old media sales consultant for The Standard grew up in Grassmere and has attended race meetings for as long as she can remember. Her father Bruce Chambers breeds and races horses and her brother Adam works in the industry.

She said May race week was the best week of the year in Warrnambool.

“I love getting dressed up,” Miss Chambers said.

“It’s great to see how the city booms during that week.”

Veteran trainer Eric Musgrove said he was proud to be the official ambassador for one of Australia’s most prestigious jumps racing events.

“I was very proud and very honoured to be asked to be involved,” Mr Musgrove said.

Mr Musgrove, who is based in Coronet Bay in South Gippsland, has won the most jumps races of any trainer in history.

“I’ve been lucky to have won the Grand Annual two years in a row with a horse called Hibernian Prince, I’ve won the Galleywood a couple of times and the Brierly. We’ve probably had a runner most years I’ve been training.”

He said the increased prizemoney in recent years had broadened interest in the carnival.

Mr Musgrove said he saw a bright future for jumps racing with  the state government putting its support behind it.