Shane Warne steps in as Liz Hurley’s date at Glorious Goodwood with husband away on business

By
Mail Online Reporter
Last updated at 11:51 PM on 27th July 2010

With her husband busy at the office, Liz Hurley turned to her old friend Shane Warne to escort her to the opening day of the Glorious Goodwood Festival.

Known for his love of betting after playing in many poker tournament, the former Australian cricketer, 40, looked more than happy to attend the West Sussex races with the brunette beauty.

Watching the races from their coveted places in the grandstand, the pair clearly had a good rapport as they shared a joke as they discussed their bets.

Sharing a laugh: Elizabeth Hurley jokes with her friend, former cricketer Shane Warne as they watch the races at the Glorious Goodwood Festival

Summery: Hurley wore a white chiffon dress, animal-print heels and a large fascinator

Ms Hurley looked immaculate as usual in a white chiffon dress, a pale pink fascinator and animal-print peep-toe shoes.

On Monday, the Austin Powers actress admitted she had been picking up betting tips from a friend in the hope of winning some money.

She wrote on her Twitter page: ‘Glorious Goodwood tomorrow – just got some tips from my racing mad shepherd whilst trying on hats.’

Warne and Hurley have been friends for years and occasionally share banter on their Twitter pages.

Floral fancy: The model was wearing a stunning pale pink fascinator

Although the Estee Lauder model has recently become involved in owning racehorses, none of her animals was racing today.

She has joined forces with Harry Herbert, the brother of the Earl of Carnvarvon, in the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicate.

Splitting herself between London and Gloucestershire, Hurley is a huge fan of country activities and regularly attends the races.

She owns a working farm in Barnsley, Gloucs, which produces organic food for sale.

Also in attendance at Goodwood today was Christina Schmid, the widow of fallen Aghanistan war hero Olaf Schmid.

The 30-year-old presented the trophies to the winners of the Betfair App For iPhone Heritage Handicap.

Prize-giving: Christina Schmid, widow of bomb disposal expert Olaf Schmid, presents the trophies to the winners of the Betfair App For iPhone Heritage Handicap