The VRC will present a prize to the Best Performed Thoroughbred in the CCI5*-L and the Best Performed Thoroughbred in the CCI3*-L.
Each winner will take home a $1000 cash prize, a 2023 Kennedy Oaks Day hospitality package and presentation rug, to be presented by Australian Olympian and VRC Ambassador Amanda Ross.
Held annually in April, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival is Australia’s premier equestrian competition and regularly attracts more than 20,000 spectators eager to see elite equestrian sport in the centre of the city.
Its hallmark competition, the Adelaide International 5 Star, is the only CCI5* event held in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere and one of only seven events held across the world.
Thoroughbreds have an extensive history of performing at the highest level of eventing, playing a central role in securing gold medals for Australia at a number of Olympic Games, and Adelaide International 5 Star has a particularly close relationship with thoroughbreds.
In 2019, thoroughbred WillingaPark Clifford and his rider Hazel Shannon became the first combination to win the competition three times, a feat that has only been achieved five times anywhere in the world.
VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich 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 first time this year,” Mr Rosich said.
“It is very encouraging to see so many of Australia’s leading riders partnering with a thoroughbred at the highest levels of eventing, and we are proud to see them compete under the VRC banner at this event.
“The achievements of thoroughbred WillingaPark Clifford and his rider Hazel Shannon to become the first combination to win this event three times is so impressive, and brings to mind champion thoroughbred Makybe Diva who so memorably won the Melbourne Cup three times!
“We wish all competitors the very best of luck and look forward to watching the action unfold.”
The 2023 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 23 April from 1pm to 4pm.
Adelaide Equestrian Festival Event Director Belinda Lindh said they were pleased to welcome the VRC as a sponsor for the first time.
“We are delighted to partner with the VRC this year and 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.
“We are excited to bring the Lexus Melbourne Cup to the Adelaide Equestrian Festival for the first time so that spectators can view this piece of Australian racing history first-hand.”
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival will be held at the Victoria Park in Adelaide from 21-23 April 2022. For tickets visit Adelaide Equestrian Festival.
