The VRC will present a prize to the Best Performed Thoroughbred in the CCI4*S and CCI5*.
Each winner will take home a $1000 cash prize, a 2024 VRC Oaks Day hospitality package and presentation rug, to be presented by Australian Olympian, retired racehorse advocate and VRC Ambassador Amanda Ross.
Held annually in April, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival is Australia’s premier equestrian competition and regularly attracts more than 30,000 spectators eager to see elite equestrian sport in the centre of the city.
It is the only 5-star event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and this year holds special significance leading into the Paris Olympics. Australia’s leading equestrian athletes and their impressive horses will be looking to stand-out from the competition in a race to secure a coveted place on the Australian Olympic team including prominent former racehorse Bold Venture, Chasing Great and Cage Fighter. There is also a strong representation of riders from New Zealand looking to secure a place on their national team for Paris.
Thoroughbreds have an extensive history of performing at the highest level of eventing in their post-racing careers, playing a central role in securing gold medals for Australia at a number of Olympic Games, and Adelaide Equestrian Festival has a particularly close relationship with thoroughbreds.
In 2019, former racehorse WillingaPark Clifford and his rider Hazel Shannon became the first combination to win the CCI5* competition three times, a feat that has only been achieved five times anywhere in the world.
VRC Executive General Manager Brand, Marketing & Communications Jo King said the club is proud to support the achievements of former racehorses at the elite level of equestrian sport.
“The Adelaide Equestrian Festival celebrates the very best of equestrian sport and we are delighted to be part of it for the second year,” Mrs King said.
“It is very encouraging to see so many of Australia’s leading riders partnering with an ex-racehorse at the highest levels of eventing, and we are proud to see them compete under the VRC banner at this event.
“The incredible skill that these riders have, and the raw power and ability of these horses are unmatched. We’re excited to see which riders will be using this event to their advantage in the lead up to the Olympics and we wish all competitors the very best of luck.”
The 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup will be on site and available for photographs with attendees and competitors in the Racing SA tent in the Market Place on Sunday 21 April from 12pm to 4pm.
Adelaide Equestrian Festival Event Director Belinda Lindh said they were pleased to welcome the VRC as a sponsor for the second consecutive year.
“We are delighted to again partner with the VRC to recognise the importance of the thoroughbred as a performance horse at the top level of the sport of Eventing. They are exceptional athletes and their versatility allows them to be successful in so many disciplines after racing,” Mrs Lindh said.
“We are excited to bring the Lexus Melbourne Cup to the Adelaide Equestrian Festival so that spectators can view this piece of Australian racing history firsthand.”
