Frances Nelson new Racing Australia boss

Frances Nelson has become the first woman and first South Australian to be elected chair of Racing Australia.

Nelson replaces the now-retired John Messara.

"I feel very privileged to contribute in this way in an industry I have been involved in for a lifetime." Nelson said.

She is currently the chair of Thoroughbred Racing South Australia and has been a director of Racing Australia for 6-1/2 years and deputy chair since 2015.

Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding has been elected deputy chair of Racing Australia.