The competition, in its sixth year, is open to all local women aged 18 to 35.

“We are looking for someone with immaculate presentation, someone who is fashion savvy and willing to become Canberra Racing’s fashion ambassador,” says sales and marketing manager Briony Young, who also announced the Westfield would be title sponsor.

“Fashion is synonymous with racing and our partnership with Westfield is a natural progression for the competition.  We are excited to be working with them as a leader in the fashion industry.

“This is the only model search of its kind in Canberra and each year the entrants increase due to the popularity of the competition. It’s definitely an ideal launch pad for someone who is interested in modelling or media.”

Prizes include $10,000 in cash.

Briony says the outgoing Face of Canberra Racing, Emily Dibden,  has gained plenty of experience over the last 12 months. Emily was a runner up in the Magic Millions Fashions on the field on the Gold Coast recently.

Emily’s title included speaking engagements and hosting of several functions.

“I have met so many people and it’s been a definite boost to my confidence,” she says.

Previous winners of the only local model search have also gone on to be successful in other ventures, in 2013 Kate Goodwin won the Miss World Australia ACT and 2012 winner Natasha Roberts was a NSW finalist for Miss Universe.

This year the competition includes preliminary heats at a cocktail evening at Siren Bar in Gungahlin. The selected finalists will then be judged during a parade at Westfield Belconnen on Friday, March 20.