The event is being held in April for the first time, just before four consecutive weeks of Group 1 racing in Adelaide.
"The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is a chance to build relationships with key equine stakeholders to stimulate demand for retired thoroughbreds, and to showcase what we are doing with our career and welfare programs," said Racing SA's General Manager of Operations Nick Bawden.
"We are taking our sponsorship to the next level with a new three year deal, and supporting an event which features participants who love horses, but may not have had much exposure to the racing industry," he said.
The Racing SA sponsorship includes naming rights to the 3* competition which includes the largest field of competitors across the four days of the event. Racing SA signage will also be on show around Victoria Park, and the deal includes naming rights for an internationally broadcast cross country jump.
Racing SA's sub brands Thorough Care SA and Racing Careers SA will be on show at a marquee in the event's marketplace throughout the four days.
"Even though many of the spectators and competitors and involved in the Equestrian Festival have a background in horses, they may not realise there's so many fulfilling career pathways in the racing industry. So, there's an opportunity here to educate, and perhaps turn a passion for horses into a career," said Bawden.
"Along with celebrating the achievements of the many retired racehorses that are competing at the Festival, this is a chance to showcase all the great aspects of the racing industry. If in turn it also helps get more thoroughbreds into eventing at a grassroots level that can only be a positive."
The partnership between Racing SA and the Adelaide Equestrian Festival is one that is close to the heart of Greg Rolton - the Chairman of the event. Presently 65% of thoroughbreds retire into equestrian and pleasure riding activities.
"It is great to see this partnership extended for the long term – we are excited about the continued support of Racing SA, and for the Retired Racehorse Program with a focus on welfare to support thoroughbred horses beyond their life on the race track," said Rolton.
"Through this, thoroughbred horses are able to diversify their skills, and compete in a wide range of equestrian sports sometimes even making it onto the national and international stage.
"We encourage all our patrons to visit and engage with the Racing SA team in their marquee at the marketplace, where they'll be able to learn more about horse welfare and careers in the racing industry," he said.
The Adelaide Equestrian Festival runs from 20-23 April in the Eastern parklands.
