Karl Stefanovic has spoken about his departure from Channel Nine, admitting he did not receive the send-off he had hoped for as he settles into life away from breakfast television.The former Today host, 52, appeared in high spirits at Golden Eagle Day at Royal Randwick on Saturday, where he was spotted mingling with guests in the Base Camp precinct.Stefanovic was happy to make light of his newly unemployed status, joking to the crowd about his career situation.’What a wonderful day, I don’t even have a job so I’m gonna be on the microphone all afternoon!’ he quipped.But speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the veteran broadcaster conceded his 26-year career at Nine had not ended on particularly warm terms.’It wasn’t a very fond farewell from Nine,’ he said, adding there was ‘no bad blood’. Karl Stefanovic has spoken about his departure from Channel Nine, admitting he did not receive the send-off he had hoped for as he settles into life away from breakfast televisionStefanovic’s departure in June followed backlash over an interview he conducted with far-right British activist Tommy Robinson on his independent podcast.His exit marked the end of a long association with the network, where he had become one of Australian television’s most recognisable breakfast presenters.More recently, he was embroiled in a legal dispute with former podcast business partner Keshnee Ibrahim, who is a longtime friend of his wife Jasmine.The matter reached the NSW Supreme Court before the pair settled last month, with Stefanovic taking ownership of the podcast business, while Ibrahim withdrew proceedings.Despite the upheaval, Stefanovic said he was enjoying the freedom that came with no longer having to front the Today show at such an early hour.’I’m really good, I don’t have to wake up at three in the morning! I have free rein to do whatever I want really,’ he said.’Spend more time with my kids, do long lunches which I could never do, go to the podcast studio.’His appearance at Royal Randwick also suggested his profile remained strong, with racegoers repeatedly calling out his name throughout the afternoon. Stefanovic was happy to make light of his newly unemployed status, joking to the crowd about his career situation